Application of natural zeolite for intensification of municipal wastewater treatment

The purpose of this research was to prove that a hybrid system including activated sludge and biofilm attached to carrying media (natural zeolite) can improve the efficiency of municipal wastewater treatment. The study was performed using a pilot-scale plant installed on Almaty Wastewater Treatment Plant (Kazakhstan) and treated sewage after preliminary mechanical treatment. The investigations were conducted in 2 stages: with installation without packing media (activated sludge only) and packed with zeolite from Chankanaysky field (activated sludge and biofilm). The results from the study showed a significant improvement of treatment efficiency for all examined parameters (BOD5, COD, suspended solids, nitrogen compounds and phosphates). Microbiological examination of biomass from the bioreactor indicated high diversity and activity of identified species, proving good conditions for both activated sludge and biofilm.