Comparison of Nitrogen Removal Performance in SBR Systems

Ten (10) municipal wastewater treatment facilities utilizing sequencing batch reactors (SBRs) were surveyed in the Mid-Atlantic region with respect to their nitrogen removal performance. For each facility, design parameters were recorded, historical operating data were evaluated, and plant operations staff was interviewed with the purpose of exploring the key operational parameters for SBRs and the impact that modifying these parameters has on nitrogen removal performance. The survey shows that SBRs are capable of achieving very low levels of total nitrogen (TN) when adequate conditions for nitrification and denitrification can be maintained in the system.