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Performance of a pilot Gradual Concentric Chambers (GCC) reactor treating low-strength sewage at a psychrophilic temperature

Abstract:

Proper sewage treatment is challenging for developing countries, demanding compact and simple designs. This study describes the design and operation of a pilot-scale GCC reactor, treating a rural discharge at 15 °C. The integrated system consisted of a concrete homogenization-decantation tank and a polyethylene-made GCC reactor composed of an inner anaerobic and an outer aerobic compartment. The anaerobic chamber worked at an HRT of 6 h and accomplished 63 % COD removal efficiency. Combined with the open aerated chamber, it achieved 83 % COD removal efficiency, surpassing the lowest rural discharge standards regarding COD and TSS levels. In addition, the reactor attained a decrease of 46 % for TAN and 14 % for PO43−-P. For cost analysis, the fixed percentage annual depreciation method was applied. The total budget and Opex yielded 0.14 and 0.06 USD per m3 of treated water, respectively. Given the costs and functionality, GCC appears promising for developing countries.