Full-scale Mainstream Deammonification via Partial Nitrification-Denitrification-Anammox

Introduction Partial nitrification/denitrification coupled with anaerobic ammonia oxidation (PdNA, PANDA) process has the potential to result in capacity, chemical and energy savings at water resource recovery facilities (WRRFs). In this process, ammonia oxidation is controlled to achieve a specific NO3/NH3 ratio. Partial denitrification driven by supplemental carbon addition (e.g., methanol) is then used to stably generate NO2--N accumulation. Anaerobic ammonia oxidizers can then remove both nitrite and ammonia to achieve effluent NH3 and TN limits. Successful PdNA/PANDA has been documented in pilot and full-scale. This work documents advancement and implementation of PANDA at the Fairfax County Noman M. Cole Pollution Control Plant (NCPCP) to achieve TN limits less than 3 mg/L. Specifically, the work will discuss full-scale results demonstrating effective anoxic ammonia removal via the PANDA mode of operation Materials and methods Full-scale reactor setup. The full-scale MBBR system was commissioned in 2013 and is comprised of six trains, five of which are currently equipped with fixed-film media and ancillary equipment. Each train includes two anoxic denitrification cells (approximately 2.4 MG in total volume) in series followed by a single re-aeration cell (approximately 0.6 MG in volume). The anoxic denitrification cells are equipped with mixers and flat screens for media retention. The re-aeration cells are equipped with medium bubble aeration diffusers and cylindrical screens. All cells are equipped with K1 media, which provide the surface area necessary for attached growth of nitrifying and denitrifying bacteria. Methanol dosing was controlled via feed-back nitrate paced addition. Ammonia and nitrate for the tertiary MBBR PANDA demonstration was provided via process control adjustments to the secondary process, including changes to step-feed configuration, DO and airflow setpoints, load paced equalization and methanol feeding. Results and discussion Full-scale results — Full-scale demonstration testing of PANDA mode commenced in Q3 of 2022 and is ongoing. Results indicated:

*Anoxic ammonia removal between 1 and 2.0 mg/L has been observed since startup and the full-scale facility has been able to maintain weekly effluent ammonia concentration below 0.5 mg/L, monthly effluent TN concentrations of between 2 and 4 mg/L and an average annual effluent TN of 2.9 during the past 12 months of operation (2023).

*Unit methanol use at the facility has decreased by approximately 20% and unit energy demand at the facility has decreased by approximately 5% relative to 2021-2022 plant operations since operating in PANDA mode.

*Full-scale demonstration has confirmed that partial denitrification/anammox is sensitive to the NO3/NH3 ratio in the MBBR influent. Optimal performance (greater than 90% anoxic ammonia removal, COD to Nitrate removed less than 4.0 and influent ammonia above 1.1 mg/L) has been observed at NO3/NH3 ratio of 3.1 to 5.1.

*The FFX NCPCP has historically observed intermittent spikes in secondary effluent ammonia concentration. Potential causes of these spikes may be attributed to load peaking and/or suppressive compounds in the wastewater. A recent ammonia spike resulted in secondary effluent ammonia of 3.6 mgNH3-N/L to the MBBR. The PANDA mode of operation reduced 2.7 mgNH3-N/L to achieve a MBBR effluent ammonia of 0.9 mgNH3-N/L and MBBR effluent TIN of 2.5 mgTIN/L at a NO3/NH3 ratio of 1.5.

*NCPCP operators have easily shifted from PANDA to conventional mode of treatment when necessary to manage outside factors that might interfere with normal operations. Cumulatively, this work is the first to effectively demonstrate full-scale deammonification via PANDA while meeting stringent nutrient limits. Ongoing efforts are focused on optimizing the NO3/NH3 ratio, stabilize phosphorus removal while continuing to reduce energy and methanol associated with nutrient removal at the NCPCP.