ABSTRACT
ABSTRACT: Aerobic granulation with real domestic wastewater is difficult to be achieved and usually takes a long granulation time. This study investigated the feasibility of adding powered activated carbon to enhance the granulation process. It was found that only 37 days were needed to form granular-dominant sludge in the reactor, which could be comparable with the granulation process with artificial wastewater. After 55 days operation, COD and ammonia removal efficiency were 84.63% and 93.86% respectively. Effluent nitrite accumulation was observed in the reactor indicating partial nitrification could be achieved. This study presents a novel operational strategy to cultivate aerobic granular sludge with low COD level real domestic wastewater.
