Optimization of sponge-bed trickling filters for nitrogen removal from anaerobically treated sewage.

Direct anaerobic treatment of sewage allows energy recovery and is widely applied in Brazil. This project deals with the necessary post-treatment to remove nitrogen and residual carbon, more specifically in sponge-bed trickling filters. The project objectives are (i) optimization of conventional nitrogen removal, (ii) realization and optimization of innovative nitrogen removal, and (iii) the evaluation and comparison of both options.