Using an A2/O process with three dissolved oxygen (DO) levels[3.0-3.5 mg·L-1(Ⅰ stage), 2.0-2.5 mg·L-1(Ⅱ stage), 1.5-2.0 mg·L-1(Ⅲ stage)], the sludge and denitrification characteristics of its aerobic unit and sedimentation unit were investigated and compared with that of an anoxic-aerobic (A/O) process with a DO content of 1.5-2.0 mg·L-1. The results showed that denitrification in the sedimentation unit was accomplished with both internal and external carbon sources, but sludge's denitrification was more efficient with the use of external carbon sources. Nitrate reductase activity and denitrification activity in the sludge in sedimentation unit were highest when DO content was 1.5-2.0 mg·L-1 under aerobic conditions, and the denitrification efficiency of the A2/O process was greatest under anoxic conditions. The residual PHB in the aerobic A/O process was higher than that in the A2/O process with experimental sludge loading. The denitrification activity of the sludge in the A/O process was higher, and the nitrate reductase activity was 1.08 times higher than that in the A/O process. After returnning of the sludge, denitrification in the anoxic A/O process was poor, although the removal of nitrate nitrogen was sufficient. In comparison, denitrification in the anoxic unit of the A2/O process was better. Denitrification of the sludge in the sedimentation unit was directly related to denitrification in the anoxic unit. Therefore, to ensure that denitrification in sedimentation unit does not seriously affect the separation of sludge and water, appropriate control of the aerobic operation and the maintenance of denitrification in the sedimentation unit will contribute more to the denitrification efficiency of the system rather than simply controlling the level of anoxia.
Keywords: activated sludge; biological nitrogen removal; continuous-flow system; denitrification; nitrate reductase activity.