Overview of Applied Research with Nereda®-Technology in the Netherlands

In the period 2003 to date an extensive applied research project has been conducted in the Netherlands for the introduction of the Nereda®-technology in the wastewater market. This technology is based on aerobic granular sludge and developed in a Dutch National Nereda® Program (NNP), executed in close co-operation between DHV, STOWA, Delft University of Technology and six waterboards. At five WWTPs pilot research focused on granulation and nutrient removal at a broad range of process conditions. Granulation was shown at all locations and extensive nitrogen and phosphorous removal was achieved, even at process temperatures lower than 10 °C. These positive contributed to the realization and two years successful operation of a demonstration plant in South Africa, as well as the decision to realize the first three full scale applications in the Netherlands. The first full scale plant in the Netherlands is under construction and will be started up early 2011.