Nutrient Control in Pulp and Paper Wastewater Treatment Plants Using On-line Measurements, 1997 Environmental Conference Proceedings

Bio-oxidation is a proven technology for degrading organic pollutants in the waste stream. Many organic pollutants present in the waste stream provide energy for bacteria, and are oxidized in some cases complete to CO,. This process requires optimum biological (bacteriological) nutrient concentrations and oxygen level. Air is pumped as a source of oxygen and nutrients are added to the system to maintain healthy microorganisms. Most common nutrient introduced to the bio-oxidation systems is ammonia( 1). The residual ammonia and phosphates in the treated effluent cause human induced eutrophication in the receiving waters. The Federal Water Pollution Control Act of 1972 regulates the nutrient levels in biologically treated wastewaters. As a result, nearly 300 waste treatment plants in the USA have BNR (Biological Nutrient Removal) treatment today(2). Precise control of nutrient feed rates through monitoring of the BNR process is a cost effective alternative for the advanced waste treatment plants.