The art of improving the activated sludge technology to meet more stringent effluent limits is a concept of ‘DO more, IN less, WITH less’. The DETOUR (PdNA) technology invented does exactly all of these things. First, it ‘DOES more’ treatment, removing more nitrogen pollutants by polishing the remaining nitrogen species using existing post-treatment tanks. Secondly, the technology is contained ‘IN less’ tank volume by using a biofilm process that intensifies treatment. The third and final aspect, it achieves these features ‘WITH less’ chemicals and air/energy by using the PdNA (Partial deNitrification Anammox) process pathway, which is more efficient and uses Anammox bacteria that are more meticulous in their energetics. Thus, achieving this trifecta of performance with one technology, which is a game changer for wastewater treatment and a huge benefit for existing plants in the United States, but also allows new facilities to leapfrog age old approaches.
