Simultaneous Nitrogen Removal and Phosphorus Recovery from Anaerobic Digestion Effluent by using the Anammox-HAP Based Process

Prof. Yu-You LI

Abstract

Anammox is a cost-effective nitrogen treatment process for wastewater with high strength of nitrogen, such as digestion effluent. Phosphorus remains untouched during this process and needs further treatment. Our studies realized simultaneous nitrogen removal and phosphorus recovery by using an anammox-HAP based processes.  Anammox-based processes have been extensively researched and applied to some extent. However, some of the long-standing problems present serious impediments to wide application of these processes, and knowledge gap between lab-scale research and full-scale operations is still considerable. In recent years, anammox-based research has developed rapidly and some emerging concepts have been proposed. The focus of this presentation is on the critical problems facing actual application of anammox processes. The latest developments in anammox-based processes are summarized, and particular consideration is given to the following aspects: (1) the evolution of the chemical stoichiometry of anammox reaction; (2) the status of several main anammox-based processes; (3) the critical problems and countermeasures; (4) the emerging anammox-based processes and their experimental results; and (5) the suggested optimal process by integrating partial nitritation, anammox, hydroxyapatite crystallization and denitratation for digestion effluent treatment towards more efficient nitrogen removal and phosphorus recovery in the future.

Biography

Dr. Yu-You LI (Gyokuyu RI) is a Professor in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at Tohoku University, Japan, responsible for the Lab of Environment Protection Engineering.  Prof. Li received his BS degree (1982) from Xian University of Architecture & Technology (China), MS degree (1985) from Tianjin University (China), and PhD (1990) from Tohoku University (Japan). His research interests and efforts focus on biological wastewater treatment, solid waste management and bioenergy production, especially the anaerobic biotechnologies including AnMBR, bio-methane and bio-hydrogen, anammox processes. He developed the thermal hydrolysis process for upgrading anaerobic sludge digestion in 1992, and recently developed a new process for enhanced simultaneous nitrogen removal and phosphorus recovery by anammox-HAP symbiotic granules. He has published over 400 journal papers and 20 book chapters. He is also serving as the Chairman of the Anaerobic Biotechnology Committee in Japan Society on Water Environment.  Based on the data base of [Web of Science], the Prof. Li’s ranking of paper list in the fields of anaerobic digestion, methane fermentation, anaerobic treatment, biogas, AnMBR, UASB and anammox are No.3, 4, 6, 6, 5, 8 and 29, respectively.

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