The effect of aeration mode (intermittent vs. continuous) on nutrient removal and greenhouse gas emissions in the wastewater treatment plant of Corleone (Italy)

The paper reports the results of an experimental study aimed at comparing two configurations of a full-scale wastewater treatment plant (WWTP): conventional activated sludge (CAS) and oxic-settling-anaerobic process (OSA) with intermittent aeration (IA). A comprehensive monitoring campaign was carried out to assess multiple parameters for comparing the two configurations: carbon and nutrient removal, greenhouse gas emissions, respirometric analysis, and sludge production. A holistic approach has been adopted in the study with the novelty of including the carbon footprint (CF) contribution (as direct, indirect and derivative emissions) in comparing the two configurations. Results showed that the OSA-IA configuration performed better in total chemical oxygen demand (TCOD) and ortho-phosphate (PO₄-P) removal. CAS performed better for Total Suspended Solids (TSS) removal showing a worsening of settling properties for OSA-IA. The heterotrophic yield coefficient and maximum growth rate decreased, suggesting a shift to sludge reduction metabolism in the OSA-IA configuration. Autotrophic biomass showed a reduced yield coefficient and maximum growth yield due to the negative effects of the sludge holding tank in the OSA-IA configuration on nitrification. The OSA-IA configuration had higher indirect emissions (30.5 % vs 21.3 % in CAS) from additional energy consumption due to additional mixers and sludge recirculation pumps. The CF value was lower for OSA-IA than for CAS configuration (0.36 kgCO₂/m³ vs 0.39 kgCO₂/m³ in CAS).