Biological treatment of saline municipal wastewater by SBBR

Fresh water shortage is a global problem. Using seawater directly is a useful way for alleviating lack of water resource in coastal cities. The wastewater produced treatment is the key to wide application of the technology. In this study sequencing batch biofilm reactor (SBBR) was used for the treatment of saline municipal wastewater. The effluent of activated sludge treatment system can meet the first grade of national wastewater effluent standards, while the wastewater contained 20%-40% seawater. Removal rate of TN, NH₄⁺-N, COD was more than 70% at the optimal conditions. So the application of SBBR in treating the wastewater consists 20%-40% seawater is feasible.