[Variation of alkalinity and its regulation of ABR].

Variation of alkalinity and its relationship with the pH, volatile fatty acid (VFA) and COD along with the different compartments of the ABR were investigated. The experimental results showed that there was a close relationship between variation of alkalinity and VFA concentration along with the ABR compartments. The lowest point of alkalinity and pH value occurred where VFA concentration reached maximum. The effect of alkalinity on the operational performance was through changing pH value. The variation trend of alkalinity and pH along with different compartments was decreased firstly and then increased. The alkalinity should be controlled to guarantee the lowest pH no less than 6.0. The lowest alkalinity should be no less than 800 mg/L when the loading rate (COD) was about 3.7 kg/(m3 x d).