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Abstract
The purpose of this paper is to investigate the fate, transportation, and transformation of nitrogen compounds through a microbial inoculator generator [MIG], which is a modification of an integrated fixed film activated sludge [IFAS] system. The research goal was to determine whether or not a MIG system in a commercial setting is capable of meeting the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources [WDNR] groundwater discharge total nitrogen [TN] permit level. The current permit level is less than 10 mg/L. The research methodology first entailed a review of relevant literature. The results include comparisons between activated sludge [AS], fixed film [FF], IFAS, and MIG systems. An IFAS system is similar to a MIG, except an IFAS does not require a bacteria stock to be added to the system to reach operational objectives. The research includes information in regard to nitrogen removal involving the ammonification, nitrification, and denitrification process. The research was used to create operation parameters for a MIG pilot system at the Oconomowoc Wastewater Treatment Facility [OWWTF]. The parameters involved maintaining flow rate and dissolved oxygen [DO] concentrations within the pilot system. To evaluate the performance of the MIG system, influent and effluent wastewater data samples were obtained during two collection periods. Data were analyzed using Composite Sampling techniques and Monte Carlo simulation. In this project, it was found that the system requires a lower flow rate and extreme zones for DO concentration to reach a lower total nitrogen [TN] concentration in the effluent. The current parameters feature TN concentrations between 25.4 and 26.7 mg/L TN.