This work investigated the nitrification in a hybrid moving bed pilot scale reactor, which used a low density recycled plastic support material for biomass growth. The filling rate was 20% of its working volume (22L). The feeding and recirculation outflow was 45L/day. The reactor operated at a temperature of 16ºC, in two phases, according to the sludge retention time (SRT): A phase was 10 days and B phase was 3 days (average values). The applied average volumetric nitrogen and organic loads were 0.16KgTKN/m3.day and 1kgCOD/m³.day, respectively. The results showed an average nitrogen removal of 95% and average COD removal of 89%, in both A and B phases. Nitrogen removal rates were independents of the SRT.
Hybrid reactor; nitrification; support; wastewater treatment
