FACULTY : ENGINEERING

EDITION: 02
TECHNOLOGY
LABORATORY: CIVIL
REVISION NO: 02
ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY
EXPERIMENT: EFFECTIVE DATE: FEB. 2018
REMOVAL OF NITROGEN IN
ANOXIC BATCH
FACULTY REACTOR
OF ENGINEERING AMENDMENT DATE:
TECHNOLOGY SEPT 2018

DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY

INTRODUCTION TO ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY

WASTEWATER ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY LABORATORY

LABORATORY INSTRUCTION SHEETS

COURSE CODE BNA 40603

EXPERIMENT CODE EXPERIMENT 2

THE REMOVAL OF NITROGEN IN ANOXIC BATCH

EXPERIMENT TITLE
REACTOR

DATE

GROUP NO.

(1)
LECTURER/ INSTRUCTOR
(2)

DATE OF REPORT SUBMISSION

RECEIVED DATE AND STAMP

COMMENTS:

TOTAL MARK (FROM RUBRIC

ASSESSMENT)

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 FACULTY : ENGINEERING
EDITION: 02
TECHNOLOGY
LABORATORY: CIVIL
REVISION NO: 02
ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY
EXPERIMENT: EFFECTIVE DATE: FEB. 2018
REMOVAL OF NITROGEN IN
ANOXIC BATCH REACTOR AMENDMENT DATE: SEPT 2018

STUDENT CODE OF ETHICS

DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY

FACULTY OF ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY

I hereby declare that I have prepared this report with my own efforts. I also admit to not accept or

provide any assistance in preparing this report and anything that is in it is true.

1) Group Leader __________________________________ (Signature)

Name : __________________________________
Matrix No. : __________________________________

2) Group Member 1 ___________________________________ (Signature)

Name : ___________________________________
Matrix No : ___________________________________

3) Group Member 2 __________________________________ (Signature)

Name : __________________________________
Matrix No. : __________________________________

4) Group Member 3 __________________________________ (Signature)

Name : __________________________________
Matrix No. : __________________________________

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 FACULTY : ENGINEERING
EDITION: 02
TECHNOLOGY
LABORATORY: CIVIL
REVISION NO: 02
ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY
EXPERIMENT: EFFECTIVE DATE: FEB. 2018
REMOVAL OF NITROGEN IN
ANOXIC BATCH REACTOR AMENDMENT DATE: SEPT 2018

1.0 OBJECTIVES
a) To understand the removal of carbon/nitrogen in denitrification process
b) To study the effect of food to microorganism in organic removal
c) To study the effect of mixed liquor suspended solids concentration in organic
removal
d) To study the effect of retention time in organic removal

2.0 LEARNING OUTCOMES

At the end of the study, student will be able to:

a) Understand the function of dentrification process for nitrogen removal

b) Understand the effect of MLSS concentration in biological treatment
c) Understand the importance of retention time for treatment process.
d) Develop their ability to work in group.

3.0 INTRODUCTION
Secondary wastewater treatment is the process of biologically removing organics from
wastewater. The objectives of secondary treatment are to reduce the biochemical oxygen
demand (BOD) and suspended solids of the effluent to acceptable levels. In some cases,
advance treatment is required to reduce the levels of specific contaminants such as nitrogen.

The process consists of three components which are (1) a biological reactor where the
microorganism are kept in a suspension and aerated, (2) a sedimentation tank or clarifier and
(3) a recycle system for returning settle solids from clarifier to the reactor.

The Integrated Biological Wastewater Treatment Pilot Plant (Model: TR30) has been
designed to demonstrate student with the process of carbon removal and nitrogen removal in
wastewater treatment. The unit is integrated with aerobic reactor, anoxic reactor and clarifier
and capable to run the treatment process in batch or continuous operation.

The unit is equipped with all the necessary instruments such as pH, temperature, dissolved
oxygen (DO) and ORP to monitor the process during the experiment
3.1 The pH term is used to indicate the alkalinity or acidity of a substance as ranked
on a scale from 1.0 to 14.0. The acidity or alkalinity of wastewater affects both

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 FACULTY : ENGINEERING
EDITION: 02
TECHNOLOGY
LABORATORY: CIVIL
REVISION NO: 02
ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY
EXPERIMENT: EFFECTIVE DATE: FEB. 2018
REMOVAL OF NITROGEN IN
ANOXIC BATCH REACTOR AMENDMENT DATE: SEPT 2018

treatment and the environment. The pH is actually the measure of the inverse
concentration of hydrogen ions and is a logarithmic scale. As pH values lower, it
indicates increasing acidity; while a high pH indicates alkalinity (a pH of 7 is
neutral). The pH of wastewater needs to remain between 6 and 9 to protect
beneficial organisms. Acids, cleaning agents and other substances that alter pH
can inactive treatment processes when they enter wastewater.

3.2 Temperature is one of the most frequently taken tests in the wastewater industry.
Accurate water temperature readings are important not only for historical purposes
but also because of its influence on chemical reaction rates, biological growth and
dissolved oxygen concentration.

3.3 The analysis of dissolved oxygen (DO) is a key test in wastewater process control.
The DO test provides information about the condition of the wastewater for the
operator to make process control decisions. A single DO test rarely reflects the
condition of a body of water. Several samples taken at different times, locations
and depths are recommended for more reliable information.

3.4 Oxidation-reduction potential (ORP) is a measurement that indicates the degree to

which a substance is capable of oxidizing or reducing another substance.
Everything that is in water has a pontential or ability and the ORP is the sum of
these potentials. ORP is measured in milivolts (mV). ORP will determine if the
potential is positive (oxidative) or negative (reductive). Negative ORP values can
be thought as negative dissolved oxygen. The more negative the ORP, the more
septic. As a substance become more oxidized, the ORP will increase. Different
reaction in wastewater will results different ORP values.

Biochemical Reaction ORP value (mV)

Nitrification +100 to +300
Aerobic BOD reduction +50 to +250
Denitrification +50 to -50
Sulfide Formation -50 to -250
Orthophosphate release -100 to -250
Organic Acid Formation -100 to -225
Methane Production -175 to -400

Figure 3.4.1: Wastewater Reaction and their associated ORP values

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 FACULTY : ENGINEERING
EDITION: 02
TECHNOLOGY
LABORATORY: CIVIL
REVISION NO: 02
ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY
EXPERIMENT: EFFECTIVE DATE: FEB. 2018
REMOVAL OF NITROGEN IN
ANOXIC BATCH REACTOR AMENDMENT DATE: SEPT 2018

3.5 Mixed Liquor Suspended Solid (MLSS)

The combination of raw sewage and biological mass is commonly known as Mixed
Liquor. Mixed Liqour is a mixture of raw or settled wastewater and activated sludge
within an aeration tank in the activated sludge process. Mixed Liquor Suspended
Solid (MLSS) is the concentration of suspended solids in the mixed liquor, usually
expressed in milligrams per liter (mg/L).

It is important to control the value of MLSS, since too high MLSS content may result
the process to be proned and the treatment system becomes overloaded. This
causes the dissolved oxygen content to drop with the effect that organic matters are
not fully degraded and biological ‘die off’. Conversely, if the MLSS content is too low
the process is not working efficiently and is likely to be wasting energy whilst not
treating the effluent effectively. The typical control band is 2000 to 4000 mg/L.
[ CITATION Par18 \l 1033 ]

3.6 Equipment General Description

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 FACULTY : ENGINEERING
EDITION: 02
TECHNOLOGY
LABORATORY: CIVIL
REVISION NO: 02
ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY
EXPERIMENT: EFFECTIVE DATE: FEB. 2018
REMOVAL OF NITROGEN IN
ANOXIC BATCH REACTOR AMENDMENT DATE: SEPT 2018

2 3
6
1

Figure 1: Unit Construction of Integrated Biological Wastewater Treatment Plant

(Model: TR30)

1. Control Panel 7. Rotameter for Feed Tank

2. Feed Tank, B1 8. Aerobic Tank, B2

3. Product / Secondary Clarifier, B5 9. Settling Tank

4. Anoxic Tank, B4
5. Stirrer for Aerobic Tank, M1
6. Stirrer for Anoxic Tank, M2

4.0 INSTRUMENTS /APPARATUS / CHEMICAL / REAGENTS

4.1 Chemicals / Reagents
a) COD testing reagent
b) Waste water

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 FACULTY : ENGINEERING
EDITION: 02
TECHNOLOGY
LABORATORY: CIVIL
REVISION NO: 02
ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY
EXPERIMENT: EFFECTIVE DATE: FEB. 2018
REMOVAL OF NITROGEN IN
ANOXIC BATCH REACTOR AMENDMENT DATE: SEPT 2018

4.2 Apparatus /Instruments

a) ORP meter
b) Dissolved oxygen
c) pH meter
d) Temperature meter
e) MLSS meter

5.0 PROCEDURE

5.1 General Start-Up Procedures

5.1.1 Preparation of Wastewater Sample

1. Collect of approximately 150 liters of raw wastewater sample from your

nearest wastewater treatment plant or your desired location.
Note: Permission from the authorities may be required before the sample can
be taken from the wastewater treatment plant.
2. Collect of approximately 30-40 liters of sludge from the activated sludge tank.
It requires approximately 10 liters of sludge for each experiment.
3. Take out the top lid cover of the feed tank B1 and pour in the 150 liters of raw
wastewater into the feed tank B1.
4. Aerate the raw wastewater by using membrane diffuser. Maintain and monitor
the dissolved oxygen (DO) value between 2-4 mg/L.
5. The raw wastewater and sludge must be aerate within 2 hours from the time it
is being collected. This is to avoid the sample of from being septic.
The raw wastewater and sludge can be keep for a few days provided that the
samples are continuously aerate with sufficient oxygen.
5.1.2 Set-Up Apparatus for Anoxic Batch Reactor

1. Make sure all valves are initially close.

2. Take out the top lid cover of the anoxic tank, B4.

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 FACULTY : ENGINEERING
EDITION: 02
TECHNOLOGY
LABORATORY: CIVIL
REVISION NO: 02
ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY
EXPERIMENT: EFFECTIVE DATE: FEB. 2018
REMOVAL OF NITROGEN IN
ANOXIC BATCH REACTOR AMENDMENT DATE: SEPT 2018

3. Install the stirrer M2. Put back the top lid cover of anoxic tank, B4 and place
the DO01, pH02 and ORP02 sensor on their respective port. Make sure the
sensors are immersed lower than the overflow port and tighten them properly.
4. The anoxic batch experiment is ready to use.

5.1.3 The Removal of Carbon/Nitrogen in Anoxic Batch Reactor

1. Make sure all valves are initially closed.

2. Open valve V14 and pump in 10L sludge (5 liter of anoxic sludge + 5 liter of
return activated sludge (RAS) from the sewage) into the anoxic tank, B4,
followed by 20L of supernatant wastewater from feed tank, B1 to make up the
volume to 30L by using the peristaltic pump, P1. Set the peristaltic pump
speed to maximum (600 rpm) to expedite the filling and stop the pump when
desired volume is reached.
3. Turn on the stirrer M1 and regulate the speed to around 100-150 rpm.
Maintain the value of dissolved oxygen, DO01 between 0.2-0.5 mg/L.
4. Determine the initial value of COD, NH 3-N and TSS in the reactor by taking
100 ml sample from the anoxic reactor, B4.
Note: After taking the sampling, make sure to keep the sample inside the ice
container to hibernate the bacteria and stop the reaction.
5. Monitor the pH02, ORP02, DO01 and MLSS01 value of the reactor at
appropriate interval time. The value of ORP02 should be maintained around
+50 to -50 mV, while the value of MLSS01 should be maintained around
2500-2800 mg/L.
Note: If the value of MLSS01 is lower than 2500 mg/L, add the sludge into the
system. This is to maintain the food to microorganism (F:M) ratio inside the
reactor.
6. Take 100 ml of sample from the aerobic reactor, B2 at appropriate time
interval and analyze the value of COD, NH3-N and TSS value.
7. Stop the process when the desired retention time is achieved.
8. Follow the general shut down procedure, when the experiment is finished.

5.1.4 Shut-Down Procedures

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 FACULTY : ENGINEERING
EDITION: 02
TECHNOLOGY
LABORATORY: CIVIL
REVISION NO: 02
ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY
EXPERIMENT: EFFECTIVE DATE: FEB. 2018
REMOVAL OF NITROGEN IN
ANOXIC BATCH REACTOR AMENDMENT DATE: SEPT 2018

1. Drain the wastewater from feed tank, B1 and anoxic tank, B4 by opening
valve. V1 and V11. Close back valve V1 and V11, when the draining is
finished.
2. Pour in the tap water into the feed tank, B1 and anoxic tank, B4 and clean
the tank with soap /detergent.
3. Switch on the peristaltic pump, P1 by opening valve V14 to flush the
remaining wastewater inside the pipes.
4. Drain all the water by opening valve V1 and V11 and close back the valve,
when the draining is finished.

6.0 WASTEWATER QUALITY ANALYSIS

The procedure of ammonia-nitrogen (NH3-N) and Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) may
vary depending on the brand and manufacturer. Kindly, follow the manual instruction given
from your manufacturer. The topic is to provide a guideline of how the analysis is being
conducted in our factory.

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 FACULTY : ENGINEERING
EDITION: 02
TECHNOLOGY
LABORATORY: CIVIL
REVISION NO: 02
ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY
EXPERIMENT: EFFECTIVE DATE: FEB. 2018
REMOVAL OF NITROGEN IN
ANOXIC BATCH REACTOR AMENDMENT DATE: SEPT 2018
6.1 Ammonia-Nitrogen Analysis

The method used is from program 380N, Ammonia Nitrogen (Nessler Method),
Method 8038.

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 FACULTY : ENGINEERING
EDITION: 02
TECHNOLOGY
LABORATORY: CIVIL
REVISION NO: 02
ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY
EXPERIMENT: EFFECTIVE DATE: FEB. 2018
REMOVAL OF NITROGEN IN
ANOXIC BATCH REACTOR AMENDMENT DATE: SEPT 2018

Note: If the results exceed limit, repeat the analysis with a diluted sample.

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 FACULTY : ENGINEERING
EDITION: 02
TECHNOLOGY
LABORATORY: CIVIL
REVISION NO: 02
ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY
EXPERIMENT: EFFECTIVE DATE: FEB. 2018
REMOVAL OF NITROGEN IN
ANOXIC BATCH REACTOR AMENDMENT DATE: SEPT 2018

6.2 Chemical Oxygen Demand Analysis

 COD Procedure

1. Take the sample at sampling valve for initial COD. Label the sample beaker.
2. Take three Reagent Vials. Two for sample vial and one for reagent blank correction as
reference. NOTE: single blank vial may be used more than once. The blank vial is stable
for several months (room temperature). For most accurate measurement, run a blank for
each set of measurements and always use the same lot of reagents for blank and
samples.
3. To prepare the reagent blank correction, open one reagent vial’s cap, and add exactly
2.0 mL deionized water, in the 45 degree angle. Add the deionized water slowly into
reagent vial.

4. Replace the cap tightly and mix by inverting each vial a couple of times. Warning: the
vials will become very hot during mixing, be careful when handling them.

5. Insert the vials into the reactor and heat them for 2 hours at 150 ◦C.
6. Do the same step for the COD sample preparation (steps 3 and 4) at sampling valve for
another COD reading sample.
7. Start up the heater:
 Switch ON the heater

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 FACULTY : ENGINEERING
EDITION: 02
TECHNOLOGY
LABORATORY: CIVIL
REVISION NO: 02
ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY
EXPERIMENT: EFFECTIVE DATE: FEB. 2018
REMOVAL OF NITROGEN IN
ANOXIC BATCH REACTOR AMENDMENT DATE: SEPT 2018

 Press 105°C /150°C key to select the temperature program 105°C.

 Adjust the reaction time by pressing or .

8. At the end of the digestion period, switch off the reactor. Wait for twenty minutes to allow
the vials to cool to about 120°C.
9. Invert each vial several times while still warm, then place them in a test tube rack.
Warning: the vials will become very hot during mixing, be careful when handling them.
10. Leave the vials in the tube rack to cool to room temperature. Do not shake or invert them,
the samples may become turbid.

Sample Testing

1. Place the COD vial adapter in the cuvette holder and ensure that the adapter is well fit
inside.
2. Place the blank vial into the holder and push it completely down.
3. Press the Zero key and the instrument will perform a zero sequence. If the zero
sequence was successfully done, the display will show “-0.0-”. Now the meter is zeroed
and ready for measurement.

4. Remove the blank vial.

5. Place the sample into the holder and push it completely down.
6. Press Read and the instrument will perform the reading.

7. The instrument displays concentration in mg/L of oxygen demand on the LCD.

NOTE: The interferences may be caused by: Chloride (Cl-) above 2000 mg/L. Sample with
higher chloride concentration should be diluted.

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 FACULTY : ENGINEERING
EDITION: 02
TECHNOLOGY
LABORATORY: CIVIL
REVISION NO: 02
ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY
EXPERIMENT: EFFECTIVE DATE: FEB. 2018
REMOVAL OF NITROGEN IN
ANOXIC BATCH REACTOR AMENDMENT DATE: SEPT 2018

8. Record all the reading and your data at appropriate table as at the experiment part.
9. Repeat the same method for other sample.

6.3 Total Suspended Solid Analysis

1. Prepare the blank: Filter with 50ml distill water.

2. Heat in oven at 105o C for 1 hour. After 1 hour, placed the filter paper in
desiccator to normalize the temperature and humidity.
3. Weigh the filter paper, gram (A).
4. Filter 50ml of sample (wastewater) using vacuum pump until all traces of
water are removed from the filter papers.
5. Heat in oven at 105o C for 2 hours. After 2 hours, placed the filter paper in
desiccator to normalize the temperature and humidity.
6. Weigh the filter paper, gram (B).
7. Calculate the TSS in the sample using the following equation:

B−A ( g ) 1000( mg) 1000(mL)

TSS( mg/L)= x x
V sample ( mL ) 1( g) 1( L)

Where;

A = initial filter paper weight (gram)

B = final filter paper weight (gram)
V = volume of sample use (50 ml)

7.0 RESULTS & DISCUSSIONS

THE REMOVAL OF CARBON/NITROGEN IN ANOXIC BATCH REACTOR

Anoxic Batch Experiment
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 FACULTY : ENGINEERING
EDITION: 02
TECHNOLOGY
LABORATORY: CIVIL
REVISION NO: 02
ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY
EXPERIMENT: EFFECTIVE DATE: FEB. 2018
REMOVAL OF NITROGEN IN
ANOXIC BATCH REACTOR AMENDMENT DATE: SEPT 2018

HRT selected = ________ pH initial = _______

COD initial = ______ mg/L DO aerobic = ______ mg/L
NH3-N initial = ______ mg/L ORP = ______ mV
TSS = _____ mg/L MLSS raw initial = ______ mg/L

Operating Parameter for Anoxic Reactor

Time DO ORP
No pH MLSS
(min) (mg/L) (mV)
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13

Performance of Anoxic Reactor

COD NH3-N
Time Remova Remova
No COD NH3-N TSS l l
(min)
(%) (%)
1
2
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 FACULTY : ENGINEERING
EDITION: 02
TECHNOLOGY
LABORATORY: CIVIL
REVISION NO: 02
ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY
EXPERIMENT: EFFECTIVE DATE: FEB. 2018
REMOVAL OF NITROGEN IN
ANOXIC BATCH REACTOR AMENDMENT DATE: SEPT 2018
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4

8.0 ANALYSIS
Please analyse the data and results obtained in this experiment

9.0 DISCUSSIONS
Discuss your results both on the basis of any theory presented and on their relevance
to practical applications and current industrial practise. Comment on the variation of
your results and compare them with the recommended standard values from the
Department of Environment, Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment or other
international organization such as EPA, WHO, EC, etc.

10.0 ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS

1. What is the process name involved in anoxic reactor and what is the reactions
formula?

2. Who is responsible for sewage maintenance/operation in Malaysia and what are

their job scopes?

3. What standard does Malaysia use of discharge of wastewater in sewage and its
parameter quality?

4. Calculate the food to microorganism (F/M) in the anoxic batch reactor and discuss
the effect of F/M to microorganism in organic removal.

5. Explain the effect of mixed liquor suspended solids concentration in the anoxic
reactor.

6. Discuss on how to improve the effectiveness of the organic removal in the anoxic
batch reactor.

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 FACULTY : ENGINEERING
EDITION: 02
TECHNOLOGY
LABORATORY: CIVIL
REVISION NO: 02
ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY
EXPERIMENT: EFFECTIVE DATE: FEB. 2018
REMOVAL OF NITROGEN IN
ANOXIC BATCH REACTOR AMENDMENT DATE: SEPT 2018

11.0 CONCLUSION
Conclusion is merely a summary, presented in a logical order, of the important findings
already reported in the discussion section. It also relates to the objectives stated
earlier.

Prepared by/Disediakan oleh : Approved by/Disahkan oleh :

Signature/Tandatangan : Signature/Tandatangan :

Name/Nama : ZARIZI BIN AWANG Name/Nama : ASSOC. PROF.TS DR. SURAYA

HANI BT. ADNAN
Date/Tarikh : SEPT 2018
Date/ Tarikh : SEPT 2018

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