Grant: Collaborative Research and Development Grants

The main objective of the proposed research project is to further develop a novel municipal and industrial wastewater technology that utilizes attached microbial films for biodegradation of both organics and nutrients, in both soluble and particulate forms, within a single circulating fluidized bed unit. This new technology has combined the more compact and efficient fixed-film process using fluidized bed with the recently developed biological nutrient removal (BNR) process that provide the additional removal of nitrogen and phosphorous.  This liquid-solid circulating fluidized bed bioreactor (LSCFBBR) for wastewater treatment has recently been patented by the applicants.  Initial small-scale laboratory study has shown much higher contact efficiency and mass transfer rate than other conventional bioreactors and contactors.   Four sub-projects will be conducted in this study, (1) large pilot-scale study with municipal wastewater to demonstration the commercial feasibility, (2) small-scale study for industrial wastewater, (3) fundamental research in the pilot-scale LSCFBBR to provide the support for the first two studies, and (4) modelling work to support the above and to aid industrial reactor design. This project is based on a synergistic collaboration and complementation of expertise in wastewater treatment, biochemical engineering and circulating fluidized bed technology, and will lead to a novel and economical technique to treat both municipal and industrial wastewater.  The proposal is strongly supported by the industrial partner who will be actively involved in important discussion and key decision makings and provide advice and other supports during the entire project, in addition to cash.  In addition, 3 Ph.D. students and 1 PDF will also be trained while working on this project.