Exploring the Relationship Between Carbon Redirection, Microbial Ecology, and Operational Strategies in High-rate Contact Stabilization (hics) Process

Exploring the Relationship Between Carbon Redirection, Microbial Ecology, and Operational Strategies in High-rate Contact Stabilization (HiCS) ProcessAbstractThis study investigated the influence of solid retention time (SRT) and aeration on the efficiency of the high-rate contact stabilization (HiCS) process. Decreasing SRT from 3 to 1.3 days favored carbon capture, peaking its efficiency at 47%, but negatively impacted total Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) removal. Lowering SRTs peaked protein and polysaccharide concentrations in EPS production at 176.2 mg protein/g VSS and 44.5 mg polysaccharide/g VSS respectively. Polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) dominance in polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) production was observed due to high wastewater acetate concentrations. Furthermore, extended aeration significantly affected treatment efficiencies and microbial community composition. Aquabacterium, being the most abundant species at 20.12%, could have a putative influence on the reactor's performance. These findings offer valuable insights into optimizing HiCS processes for wastewater treatment and advancing sustainable, energy-positive facilities.This research probes the HiCS process in wastewater treatment for improved energy efficiency. It finds that operational parameters, primarily SRT and aeration, significantly impact reactor performance and microbial dynamics. The study advocates for a balanced approach to operational settings for optimal, energy-positive wastewater treatment, promoting sustainability.SpeakerHe, LeiyuPresentation time09:00:0009:30:00Session time08:30:0010:00:00SessionRe-direct Carbon for Better UseSession locationRoom S502 - Level 5TopicEnergy Production, Conservation, and Management, Facility Operations and Maintenance, Intermediate Level, Municipal Wastewater Treatment Design, Research and InnovationTopicEnergy Production, Conservation, and Management, Facility Operations and Maintenance, Intermediate Level, Municipal Wastewater Treatment Design, Research and InnovationAuthor(s)He, LeiyuAuthor(s)L. He 1; M. Wang 2 ; L. He 1;Author affiliation(s)Department of Energy and Mineral Engineering and EMS Energy Institute, Penn State University 1; Department of Energy and Mineral Engineering and EMS Energy Institute, Penn State University 2 ; Department of Energy and Mineral Engineering and EMS Energy Institute, Penn State University, University Park, PA 1;SourceProceedings of the Water Environment FederationDocument typeConference PaperPublisherWater Environment FederationPrint publication date Oct 2023DOI10.2175/193864718825159159Volume / Issue Content sourceWEFTECCopyright2023Word count18