The aim of this work was to assess the feasibility of a Sequential Batch Biofilm Reactor
(SBBR) to perform carbon and nitrogen removal: from support design to reactor operation.
The experimental part was conducted in two phases. In the first phase, different supports
were tested to select the most suitable one for SBBR operation. In the second phase, the
most appropriate support was used in a SBBR to perform carbon and nitrogen removal. The
results demonstrate that the support with the highest internal surface area presented a
higher biomass accumulation. Time profiles of nitrogen ions and acetate concentration
showed the typical behaviour of a SBBR performing carbon and nitrogen removal. Poly-bhydroxybutyrate
(PHB) was formed immediately after acetate depletion and was
subsequently consumed for biomass growth, owing to the high oxygen concentration in the
reactor
