The Removal Effect of Pollutants and Components in Extracellular Polymeric Substances from Aerobic Granular Sludge in Simultaneous Removal of Organic Matter and Ammonia Nitrogen

Y. Ren, Y. Liu, G. Hao, Y. Wen, Z. Chen and L. L. Yan

Abstract
This work studied the removal effect of pollutants and the components in extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) extracts obtained from aerobic granular sludge (AGS) with high concentration of ammonia nitrogen and analyzed EPS using Fourier-transformed IR (FTIR) spectrometer. The AGS demonstrated perfect performance in simultaneous removal of organic matter and ammonia nitrogen, and the removal rates were both maintained above 90 %, the stable nitrite accumulation was achieved as well. The main particle size was more than 1.4 mm and the higher electrical conductivity was caused by the existences of organic and mineral fractions in EPS. Ca, K, Fe, Mg, Zn, and Cu were the main mineral elements contained in EPS extracts. Mineral fractions of EPS improve the stabilization of the AGS.

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Keywords
extracellular polymeric substances, aerobic granular sludge, ammonia nitrogen, mineral fraction, organic fraction