Technology for Up-flow Anaerobic Sludge Blanket (UASB) in Wastewater Treatment: A Mini-Review
Keywords:
UASB, wastewater, review, anaerobic digestionAbstract
The rising contamination of water bodies due to industrial, municipal, and climatic factors has intensified the need for cost-effective and sustainable wastewater treatment technologies. The Up-flow Anaerobic Sludge Blanket (UASB) reactor has emerged as a widely adopted method for treating various types of wastewater, owing to its simplicity, low operational costs, energy recovery potential, and effectiveness in reducing organic loads. This mini-review explores the fundamental principles, operational mechanisms, and advancements in UASB technology. The paper highlights the biological and physical processes underlying pollutant removal, including hydrolysis, acidogenesis, acetogenesis, and methanogenesis. Emphasis is placed on reactor design, microbial dynamics, and operational parameters affecting treatment efficiency. Through a review of recent studies and case applications, the paper evaluates the advantages, limitations, and future prospects of UASB reactors in both industrial and domestic wastewater contexts. The review concludes that while UASB reactors provide notable benefits, especially in warm climates, they require further development to meet stringent effluent standards and adapt to varying wastewater compositions.
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