How Biological Phosphorous Removal is Inhibited by Collection System Corrosion and Odor Control Practices

The key to successful Biological Phosphorus Removal (BPR) is influent wastewater quality. BPR needs volatile fatty acids (VFA) or sufficient rapidly biodegradable COD in the influent to trigger the phosphorus release mechanism. Corrosion and odor control in the collection system, which hinder VFA production or destroy VFA, can have an adverse impact on the BPR process. In most municipalities, the wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) and the collection system are divided into two separate autonomous departments within the City government, so collection system activities can have unforeseen consequences at the WWTP. In facilities that have strict phosphorus limits, there is an increased need to coordinate collection system activities with treatment plant operation to ensure continued compliance with the permit.