HANDLING CHARACTERIZATION OF UASB SLUDGE: SEWAGE WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANTS OF THE FEDERAL DISTRICT (BRAZIL)

Abstract

Operation and maintenance data of UASB reactors in the sewage treatment plants of the Federal District of Brazil are presented and analyzed. Efficiency aspects of preliminary treatment and sludge handling into the UASB reactors are presented. After evaluation of these units, it was verified that they operate with satisfactory removal efficiencies for COD, BOD and TSS. Although the UASB reactors present performance superior to the ones previewed in project, the reactors still need an appropriate sludge handling, requesting better strategies concerning the frequency of sludge discard and scum removal. Possible causes for the observed problems are analyzed and measures for their solution are discussed.

Key Words: sewage, scum, sludge, UASB, UASB reactors.