Investigation to determine the effects of magnetic field on the removal efficiency of COD within an Orbal reactor

Taking into consideration the amassing human requirements for water resources and the use of renewable resources, inclusive of: wastewater, wastewater treatment and wastewater reuse are important points of consideration. Using of an Orbal reactor for COD removal by activated sludge is considered suitable and efficient by numerous literature sources. Furthermore, to improve removal efficiencies, it is interesting to determine the required tools and methods to decrease additional sludge creation. This study aims to investigate the performance of COD removal when a magnetic field is combined within an oxidation ditch Orbal reactor. In this research, two magnetic fields of different strengths, 0.8mT and 1.5mT, were applied to the reactor including several neodymium magnets. Results were achieved and analyzed, upon which the reactor reached a steady state. To confirm validity, results and conclusions from other relatable studies were compared with that of the achieved. The research lasted approximately 100-days and sampling was completed over an 80-days period to observe the effects when implementing a magnetic field compared to that of its absence within an Orbal reactor. This study examined the removal of COD in activated sludge. Results revealed that removal of COD was affected when implementing the magnetic field. Upon application of a 0.8mT magnetic field, removal efficiency of COD increased by 7%, Results indicated, also, that application of different strength magnetic fields had very minor differences.