Swine wastewater treatment using a unique sequence of ion exchange membranes and bioelectrochemical system

An ion exchange biological reactor (IEBR) treated organic matter and nitrogen in swine wastewater at 23 °C. The enhanced IEBR enhanced the ammonium flux by electrochemical attraction. The abiotic ammonium fluxes at the applied voltage of 0, 1, and 3 V were 1.33, 1.79, and 2.73 mg/m2/s, respectively. In the meantime, the ammonium fluxes caused by biological nitrification at the applied voltage of 0, 1, and 3 V were 1.54, 2.07, and 3.59 mg/m2/s, respectively. Removal of organic matter and nitrogen in swine wastewater was proportional to the applied voltage. The average SCOD removal efficiencies at the applied voltage of 0, 1, and 2 V were 59.7%, 60.2%, and 67.0%, respectively. The average total nitrogen removal efficiencies at the applied voltage of 0, 1, and 2 V were 39.8%, 49.5%, and 58.7%, respectively.