Attached growth systems for wastewater treatment in small and rural communities: a review

This paper reviews the application of attached growth processes for municipal wastewater treatment. Attached growth processes are classified as aerobic (either aerated or non-aerated), anaerobic and hybrid (anaerobic/anoxic and aerobic). The main advantage of attached growth systems is that they maintain a high concentration of microorganisms resulting in high removal rates at relatively small hydraulic retention times. The basic design and operational characteristics of various systems are presented in terms of packing materials, organic loading rates, treatment temperature, as well as achieved removal rates. (c) 2012 Society of Chemical Industry