Optimization of a BCO-SBR Reactor for Rural Sewage Treatment: Parameter Tuning and Kinetic Modeling

This study presents a comprehensive optimization of Biological Contact Oxidation-Sequencing Batch Reactor (BCO-SBR) technology for decentralized rural sewage treatment, addressing critical gaps in existing systems through three key innovations: Novel filler configuration: Comparative evaluation of braided filler (BF), polyurethane sponge (PS), and combined filler (CF) revealed BF's superior performance (92.9% COD, 94.9% NH₄⁺-N removal) due to its unique macroporous structure preventing biofilm clogging a limitation noted in previous studies using conventional media (Zhang et al., 2019). Advanced process optimization: Systematic parameter testing established optimal conditions (35% filler ratio, 5h HRT, 4:1 anoxic/aerobic ratio) that improved nitrogen removal by 15–20% compared to traditional SBR systems (Chen et al., 2020), while reducing energy consumption by 30%. Kinetic model development: First application of Monod kinetics to BCO-SBR systems (µmax = 0.115 d⁻¹, Ks = 1417 mg·L⁻¹) providing design parameters absent in prior literature (Yin et al., 2014). The optimized system demonstrates exceptional resilience to organic load shocks (C/N = 6–20:1) and achieves effluent quality meeting China's Grade 1A standards (COD ≤ 30 mg·L⁻¹, NH₄⁺-N ≤ 5 mg·L⁻¹), offering a practical solution for rural areas lacking centralized treatment infrastructure.