Integrated fixed-film activated sludge (IFAS) is a hybrid wastewater treatment process that combines suspended and attached growth. The current review provides an overview of the effect of operating parameters on the performance of IFAS and their implications for wastewater treatment. The operating parameters examined include hydraulic retention time (HRT), solids retention time (SRT), dissolved oxygen (DO) levels, temperature, nutrient loading rates, and aeration. Proper control and optimization of these parameters significantly enhance the treatment efficiency and pollutant removal. Longer HRT and appropriate SRT contribute to improved organic matter and nutrient removal. DO levels promote the growth of aerobic microorganisms, leading to enhanced organic matter degradation. Temperature influences microbial activity and enzymatic reactions, impacting treatment efficiency. Nutrient loading rates must be carefully managed to avoid system overload or inhibition. Effective aeration ensures uniform distribution of wastewater and biofilm carriers, optimizing contact between microorganisms and pollutants. IFAS has been used in water reuse applications, providing a sustainable and reliable water source for non-potable uses. Overall, IFAS has proven to be an effective and efficient treatment process that can provide high-quality effluent suitable for discharge or reuse. Understanding the effects of these operating parameters helps to optimize the design and operation for efficient wastewater treatment. Further research is needed to explore the interactions between different parameters, evaluate their impact under varying wastewater characteristics, and develop advanced control strategies for improved performance and sustainability.
1 April 2020 in Journal of Water Process Engineering
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) persist as organic contaminants within diverse water reservoirs, posing significant environmental and health risks. Nanofiltration (NF) membranes have emerged as effective tools for PAHs removal owing to their ability to separate based on size. However, membrane fouling and limited rejection efficiency remain as challenges. This study developed a novel gradient cross‐linking graphene oxide (GO)–integrated polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) NF membrane to enhance PAHs rejection while mitigating fouling issues. The gradient cross‐linking approach and GO integration are aimed at improving the membrane’s rejection performance, stability, and antifouling properties. Fourier transform spectroscopy spectra of the GO‐PVP membrane showed new peaks, indicating the GO linkage. The membrane flux increased with GO concentration due to hydrophilicity; however, membrane flux decreased for the GO‐PVP membrane at a loading of 0.5 wt% due to poor GO distribution. The results exhibited a higher membrane flux of 72.9 ± 2.9 L m −2 h −1 , obtained for the GO‐PVP membrane at 0.4 wt% loading. Salt rejection decreased with GO due to the development of large pores; hence, there is always a trade‐off between membrane flux and salt rejection. GO‐PVP membrane presents a promising approach for efficiently removing PAHs from water sources. The developed membrane has the potential to be applied in various water treatment applications, contributing to improved water quality and environmental protection.