In this study, the treatment of livestock wastewater using an aerobic granular sludge based sequencing batch reactor was investigated. The reactor operation was carried out by general injection and split injection methods. The average removal efficiency of organic matter after the adaptation period was 71.5 and 87.4%, respectively. Some untreated organic matter was attributed to recalcitrant organic matter. The average removal efficiency of total nitrogen was 65.6 and 88.4%, respectively. These results indicate that the denitrification reaction by split injection was carried out smoothly. As for the solids, the ratio of aerobic granular sludge/mixed liquor suspended solid can be determined as the main factor of the process operation, and the ratio increased gradually and finally reached 86.0%. Correspondingly, the sludge volume index (SVI) was also improved, reaching 54 mL/g at the end of operation, and it is believed that the application of a short settling time contributed to the improvement of settleability.

In this study, the effect on the stability of Aerobic Granular Sludge (AGS) caused by an AGS separator was investigated. The AGS separator was a hydrocyclone. The main factors of the AGS separator were filter pore size (0.125∼0.600 mm), conical-to-cylindrical ratio (1.5∼3.0), and operating time (1∼20 min). The AGS/mixed liquor suspended solid (MLSS) ratio gradually increased to 0.500 mm (AGS/MLSS: 84.3±3.0%). AGS was best separated at the conical-to-cylindrical ratio of 2.5 (AGS/MLSS: 84.7±3.3%). As the operating time increased, the AGS separation performance also tended to increase. The shortest AGS separator run time, but the highest AGS separation performance was 10 min (87.0±2.5%). AGS stability was evaluated by operating the selected AGS separator and sequencing batch reactor. The average removal efficiencies of TOC, TCODCr, SS, TN, and TP were 95.7%, 96.9%, 93.0%, 89.0%, and 96.2%, respectively, which met the effluent standards in Korea. In addition, the AGS/MLSS ratio tended to remain constant, and the sludge volume index demonstrated a tendency to decrease from 140 mL/g to 70 mL/g. During the operation, the particles of AGS in optical microscope observations gradually increased.

In this study, the effect on the stability of Aerobic Granular Sludge (AGS) with different Carbon/Nitrogen (C/N) ratios was investigated. The C/N ratios were controlled to 10.0, 7.5, 5.0, and 2.5 using the sequencing batch reactor, and the results showed that the removal efficiency of organic matter and total nitrogen decreased simultaneously with the decrease of C/N ratio. The removal efficiency of organic matter and total nitrogen at C/N ratio of 2.5 was 70.7% and 52.3% respectively. In addition, the AGS/mixed liquor suspended solids (MLSS) ratio showed a tendency to decrease from 85.7% to 73.7%, while the sludge volume index showed a tendency to increase from 82 mL/g to 102 mL/g as the C/N ratio decreased. At the same time, the apparent deviation of polysaccharide (PS) content in extracellular polymeric substances was observed, and polysaccharides/protein (PS/PN) ratio decreased from 0.62 to 0.31 as the C/N ratio decreased. Optical microscope observations showed that the reduction in C/N ratio caused the growth of filamentous bacteria and significantly affected the stability of AGS.

This study evaluated the biosorption properties of calcium ion using Aerobic Granular Sludge (AGS). A sequencing batch reactor was used to induce the production of Extracellular Polymeric Substances (EPS) through salinity injection, and the calcium ion adsorption efficiency was analyzed by a batch test. The EPS contents showed significant changes (104-136 mg/g MLVSS) at different salinity concentrations. The calcium ion adsorption efficiency was highest for AGS collected at 5.0% salinity, and it was confirmed that the biosorption efficiency of AGS was increased owing to the increase in EPS content. The results of the Freundlich isotherms showed that the ion binding strength (1/n) was 0.3941-0.7242 and the adsorption capacity (Kf) was 2.4082-3.3312. The specific surface area and the pore size of the AGS were 586.1 m2/g and 0.7547 nm, respectively, which were not significantly different from each other. It was confirmed that the influence of biological properties, such as EPS content, was relatively large among the factors affecting calcium ion adsorption.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of different Hydraulic Retention Times (HRTs) on the contaminant removal efficiency using Aerobic Granular Sludge (AGS). A laboratory-scale experiment was performed using a sequencing batch reactor, and the Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD), nitrogen, orthophosphate removal efficiency, AGS/MLSS ratio, and precipitability in accordance with the HRT were evaluated. As a result, the COD removal efficiency was not significantly different with the reduction in HRT, and at a HRT of 6 h, the removal rate was slightly increased owing to the increase in organic loading rate. The nitrogen removal efficiency was improved by injection of influent division at a HRT of 6 h. As the HRT decreased, the MLSS and AGS tended to increase, and the sludge volume index finally decreased to 50 mL/g. In addition, the size of the AGS gradually increased to about 1.0 mm. Therefore, the control of HRT provides favorable conditions for the stable formation of AGS, and is expected to improve the contaminant removal efficiency with the selection of a proper operation strategy.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of high-salinity wastewater on the microbial activity of Aerobic Granule Sludge (AGS). Laboratory-scale experiments were performed using a sequencing batch reactor, and the Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD), nitrogen removal efficiency, sludge precipitability, and microbial activity were evaluated under various salinity injection. The COD removal efficiency was found to decrease gradually to 3.0% salinity injection, and it tended to recover slightly from 4.0%. The specific nitrification rate was 0.043 0.139 mg NH4 +-N/mg MLVSS·day. The specific denitrification rate was 0.069 0.108 mg NO3 --N/mg MLVSS·day. The sludge volume index (SVI30) ultimately decreased to 46 mL/g. The specific oxygen uptake rate decreased from an initial value 120.3 to a final value 70.7 mg O2/g MLVSS·hr. Therefore, salinity injection affects the activity of AGS, causing degradation of the COD and nitrogen removal efficiency. It can be used as an indicator to objectively determine the effect of salinity on microbial activity.

The purpose of this study is to biological treatment of high salinity wastewater using Aerobic Granular Sludge (AGS). In laboratory scale’s experiments research was performed using a sequencing batch reactor, and evaluation of the denitrification reaction in accordance with the injection condition of salinity concentration, surface properties of microorganisms, and sludge precipitability was performed. The results showed that the salinity concentration increased up to 1.5%, and there was no significant difference in the nitrogen removal efficiency; however, it showed a tendency to decrease gradually from 2.0% onward. The specific denitrification rate (SDNR) was 0.052 0.134 mg NO3 --N/mg MLVSS (mixed liquor volatile suspended solid)·day. The MLVSS/MLSS (mixed liquor suspended solid) ratio decreased to 76.2%, and sludge volume index (SVI30) was finally lowered to 57 mL/g. Using an optical microscope, it was also observed that the initial size of the sludge was 0.2 mm, and finally it was formed to 0.8-1.0 mm. Therefore, salinity injection provides favorable conditions for the formation of an AGS, and it was possible to maintain stable granular sludge during long-term operation of the biological treatment system.

그래뉼은 중간 매개체의 도움 없이 미생물의 자가 고정화에 의해 형성된 미생물 응집체로 충격부하에 강하고, 높은 생물량 및 높은 침전성을 갖는 등 여러 장점을 바탕으로 폐수의 생물학적 처리 공정에 이용되고 있다. 그리고 낮은 강도의 초음파 조사를 이용하여 반응조 내 미생물의 활성도를 증가시켜 반응조 성능을 증대시키는 연구들이 보고되고 있다. 따라서, expanded granular sludge blanket (EGSB)를 이용한 선행연구를 통해, 저강도 초음파가 그래뉼 활성 및 수소발생에 미치는 긍정적인 영향을 확인하였다. 저강도 초음파(0.1 w/mL, 1 sec per 1 min) 처리로 수소 발생량이 65% 증가하였다. 본 연구에서는, 저강도 초음파 처리가 그래뉼의 형태학적 변화에 미치는 영향에 대해서 실험을 진행하였다. 저강도 초음파 처리와 재순환 적용 유무로, 4가지 반응조를 구성하고 연속 실험을 진행하여 각각의 반응조에서 그래뉼 샘플을 채취하였다. 각각의 그래뉼 샘플들은 기존의 분석 방법과 다르게 CMEIAS 프로그램을 이용하여 이미지 분석을 하여 그래뉼의 크기 및 형태를 파악하였고, VP-SEM을 이용하여 그래뉼 표면의 변화를 관찰하였다. 기존의 그래뉼 입도 분석은 많은 시간과 인력, 비용이 들어간다는 단점이 있어 무료 프로그램인 CMEIAS를 이용하여 새로운 방식으로 이미지 분석하였다. 이미지 분석 결과 저강도 초음파 처리와 재순환 적용이 각각 그래뉼 크기를 5% 증가됨을 확인하였고, 동시에 적용할 경우 그래뉼 크기가 20% 증가됨을 확인하였다. VP-SEM 결과 저강도 초음파 처리가 그래뉼 표면에 거친 형태를 매끄럽게 변화시키고 공극을 형성시키는 것을 확인하였다. 따라서, 저강도 초음파 처리와 재순환 적용은 그래뉼의 형태학적 변화에 긍정적인 영향을 미쳐 반응조 성능 향상에 영향을 미쳤을 것이라고 사료된다.

The purpose of this study was to confirm the applicability of aerobic granular sludge (AGS) in the advanced sewage treatment process. Simulated influent was used in the operation of a laboratory scale reactor. The operation time of one cycle was 4 h and the reactor was operated for six cycles per day. The volume exchange ratio was 50%. The influent was injected in divisions of 25% to increase the removal efficiency of nitrogen in every cycle. As a result, the removal efficiencies of CODCr and TN in this reactor were 98.2% and 76.7% respectively. During the operation period, the AGS/MLVSS concentration ratio increased from 70.0% to 86.7%, and the average SVI30 was 67 mL/g. The SNR and SDNR were 0.073 0.161 kg NH4 +-N/kg MLVSS/day and 0.071 0.196 kg NO3 --N/kg MLVSS/day respectively. These values were higher or similar to those reported in other studies. The operation time of the process using AGS is shorter than that of the conventional activated sludge process. Hence, this process can replace the activated sludge process.

알루미늄은 낮은 비중을 가지는 금속으로 철에 비하여 상대적으로 가볍고 비강도가 크므로 건축물의 외장 재료로 많이 사용되고 있다. 알루미늄의 경우 다른 금속에 비해 산화되기 어렵고 낮은 융점으로 인해 사용이 끝난 알루미늄 재료의 경우 녹여서 재활용이 가능하다. 건축물 외장 재료로 사용되는 복합 패널의 경우 철, 동, 강 등의 금속과 알루미늄이 결합된 구조로 되어 있고 알루미늄을 분리할 경우 쉽게 재활용이 가능한 장점을 가지고 있다. 이러한 복합 패널에서 사용되고 있는 알루미늄을 재활용하기 위해서는 결합된 소재들을 분리하는 단계가 필요하다. 알루미늄 복합 패널은 건축물 철거 시 발생하는 폐자재로 일정한 형태가 없고 크기가 다르므로 일반적인 재활용 장비에서 처리하기에는 어려운 상황이다. 일반적으로 대부분의 재활용 업체에서는 가열하거나 수작업을 통해 알루미늄을 분리하고 있지만 가열방식에서는 유해가스 배출로 인한 환경 문제와 수작업을 통한 높은 인건비 비용에 대한 문제점이 나타나고 있다. 따라서 본 연구에서는 다양한 형태의 복합 패널 폐자재(스크랩)를 효율적으로 재활용할 수 있는 설비 및 방법을 개발하는 것을 목적으로 한다. 개발된 장비를 통해 복합 패널을 일정한 크기로 분쇄하고 파쇄된 복합물에서 알루미늄과 폴리에틸렌을 분리하여 최종적으로 분리된 알루미늄을 일정한 크기의 그래뉼 입자로 만들었다. 구조해석을 통해 장비의 안전성을 검증하고 일정한 크기 및 순도를 가진 알루미늄 그래뉼 입자가 생성되는지를 확인하였다. 최종적으로 생산된 알루미늄 그래뉼 입자의 순도 및 크기를 분석하여 건축용 복합 패널 스크랩의 알루미늄 재활용성에 대한 평가를 분석하였다.