Application of the Anammox process

Anammox-based processes have been used worldwide to replace the conventional biological nitrogen removal process (nitrification/denitrification), combined with anaerobic digestion (AD) or not, depending on wastewater characteristics. It is an efficient and energy-saving technology in wastewater treatment due to low energy, no organic carbon requirement, and less sludge production. Even though some sidestream Anammox has been applied as well-advanced solutions processes, mainstream applications are promising. Furthermore, one of the keys to using this technology is fully understanding the Anammox-based process. One of the limiting phases of this technology is related to the wastewater characteristics concerning organic matter availability and nitrogen concentration (BOD/N). The Anammox can be applied with partial nitritation on separated and/or single-stage reactors (PN/A). However, some knowledge gaps and impediments to these reactor configurations and start-ups remain, and lack of knowledge on sludge production and reactor inoculation for full-scale applications. This chapter will discuss the status and advances in applying the Anammox process on sidestream and mainstream reactors to wastewaters treatment plants and summarize some biotechnological aspects of sludge production.