Petro® concept : a tentative approach to biological phosphorus removal incorporating waste stabilisation ponds

Ponding which is usually considered a low tech process can be successfully integrated with downstream Biological Nutrient Removal (BNR) facility. The PETRO system incorporating ponds and downstream trickling filter (TF) or activated sludge process (ASP) is a technology which offers simplicity of O and M combined with biological removal of P and N. It is feasible to produce in a primary facultative pond with a deep fermentation pit quantities of readily biodegradable substrates sufficient to meet the requirements of phosphate accumulating organisms (PAO) in a downstream BNR facility. Malodorous conditions are dealt with by high rate recirculation. This novel low tech approach is a step towards a more straightforward BNR process. PETRO concept features phenomenon of algae-assisted chemical P-removal in activated sludge reactor. The process results in precipitation of inorganic phosphates apparently in a form of calcium/magnesium salts. Possible mechanism of this additional process which removes up to several milligrams per litre of inorganic P is discussed.