Comparison of bench scale testing methods for nitrifier growth rate measurement.
The maximum specific nitrifier growth rate was determined for two wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) using sequencing batch reactors (SBRs) and high F/M exponential growth batch tests. Higher nitrifier growth rates were obtained from the exponential growth batch tests. Operating SRT and aeration mode (fully aerobic versus anoxic/aerobic) significantly impacted the nitrifier's growth rate in the SBRs with lower SRT and anoxic/aerobic operation resulting in higher specific nitrifier growth rates.