Single-stage C-N-P removal and ultra-low net sludge production driven by cyclic oxygen exposure and side-stream acidogenesis in an intermittent-aeration IFAS-OSA system
O emissions (0.9% EF) were markedly below values typically reported for IA systems. Observed net sludge yields remained exceptionally low (0.09-0.20 gTSS/gCOD), significantly outperforming conventional and other OSA-based biological systems. The sludge exhibited good dewaterability (nCST 4-6 s·L/gTSS), while settleability deteriorated especially under mesophilic and extended anoxic exposure, reflecting known trade-offs of OSA operation. Overall, the IA IFAS-OSA configuration provides an extremely compact, efficient, and straightforwardly retrofittable solution for mainstream wastewater treatment.
Authors
- Michela Salamone (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4175-1057)
- Ignazio Marcello Mancini
- Nicola Di Costanzo (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3440-7151)
- Salvatore Masi (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0016-4588)
- Donatella Caniani (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0168-9845)
- Francesco Aliberti
- Francesco Pirozzi (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8418-3809)
- Federica Carraturo (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0359-3297)
- Francesco Di Capua
- Giovanni Esposito
Institutions
- University of Basilicata (IT)
- Federico II University Hospital (IT)
- University of Naples Federico II (IT)
Publication Details
- Journal
- Bioresource Technology
- Published
- 2026-04-30
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biortech.2026.134766
- Primary Topic
- Wastewater Treatment and Nitrogen Removal
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 0.00
Funders
- Ministero dell'Istruzione e del Merito