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Anaerobic Baffled Reactor (ABR)

Published on SSWM (http://www.sswm.info/)

Anaerobic Baffled Reactor (ABR)

Compiledby:

Eawag(SwissFederalInstituteof
AquaticScienceandTechnology),
DorotheeSpuhler(seecon
internationalgmbh)

An anaerobic baffled reactor (ABR) is an improved [879Septic Tank]

with a series of baffles under which the [noecompendium]grey,
black or the industrial [/noecompendium]wastewater is forced to
flow[noecompendium] under and offer the baffles from the inlet to
the outlet[/noecompendium]. The increased contact time with the
active biomass (sludge) results in improved treatment. [no
ecompendium]ABRs are robust and can treat a wide range of wastewater, but both remaining sludge and
effluents still need further treatment in order to be reused or discharged properly. [/noecompendium]
In

Out

Blackwater, Greywater, Brownwater, (Faecal Sludge) Fertigation Water, Biogas, Compost/Biosolids

[noecompendium]
Introduction
Anaerobic baffled reactors (ABR) are septic tanks that have been upgraded with a series of baffles along the
treatment chamber. [/noecompendium]The upflow chambers provide enhanced removal and digestion of
organic matter.[noecompendium] As septic tanks, ABRs are based on a physical treatment (settling) and a
biological treatment (anaerobic digestion).

Schematic of the Anaerobic Baffled Reactor. Source: TILLEY et al. (2014).

An ABR consists of a tank and alternating hanging and standing baffles that compartmentalise the reactors and force
liquid to flow up and down from one compartment to the next, enabling an enhanced contact between the fresh
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wastewater entering the reactor and the residual sludge, containing the microorganisms responsible for anaerobic
digestion of the organic pollutants. The compartmentalised design separates the solids retention time from the
hydraulic retention time, making it possible to anaerobically treat wastewater at short retention times of only some
hours (EPA 2006). Solids high treatment rates are high, while the overall sludge production is characteristically low
(FOXON et al. 2004). They are simple to build and simple to operate, as well as very robust to hydraulic and organic
shock loading (SASSE 1998). Yet, both sludge and effluent still need further treatment.

DecentralizedWastewaterManagementatAdarshCollegeBadalapurMaharashtraIndia. Source:SUSANA2010
ABRs are suitable for a wide range of wastewater, including highstrength industrial wastewater, but its efficiency
increases with higher organic load. Therefore, ABRs are particularly suited for influents with a high percentage of
nonsettleable suspended solids and a narrow COD/BOD ratio (SASSE 1998). ABRs are typically applied in DEWATS,
usually in combination with several other treatment steps. A typical DEWATS could be a five component system of
first three anaerobic steps consisting of a biogas settler; an ABR and an anaerobic filter; followed by an aerobic
treatment unit such as a constructed wetland (FreeWater Surface CV, Horizontal Subsurface Flow CV or Vertical Flow
CV) and a maturation pond (WHO 2009).[/noecompendium] BOD may be reduced by up to 90%, which is far superior to
its removal in a conventional Septic Tank.

DesignConsiderations
[noecompendium]ABRs are a combination of the principles of septic tanks, moving bed reactors and upflow
anaerobic sludge blanket reactors. The difference to MBRs and UASBs lies in the fact that it is not necessary
for the sludge blanket to float; and that effluent retention is not necessary since a part of the active sludge
that is washed out from one chamber is trapped in the next (SASSE 1998). [/noecompendium]The majority of
settleable solids are removed in a sedimentation chamber in front of the actual ABR. Smallscale standalone
units typically have an integrated settling compartment, but primary sedimentation can also take place in a
separate Settler or another preceding technology (e.g., existing Septic Tanks). Designs without a settling
compartment are of particular interest for (Semi) Centralized Treatment plants that combine the ABR with
other technologies, or where prefabricated, modular units are used.
Typical inflows range from 2 to 200 m3 per day. Critical design parameters include a hydraulic retention time
(HRT) between 48 to 72 hours, upflow velocity of the wastewater below 0.6 m/h and the number of upflow
chambers (3 to 6). The connection between the chambers can be designed either with vertical pipes or baffles.
Accessibility to all chambers (through access ports) is necessary for maintenance. Usually, the biogas produced
in an ABR through anaerobic digestion is not collected because of its insufficient amount. The tank should be
vented to allow for controlled release of odorous and potentially harmful gases.[noecompendium]
The reactor always starts with a settling chamber for larger solids and impurities (SASSE 1998) followed by a
series of at least 2 (MOREL & DIENER 2006), sometimes up to 5 (SASSE 1998) upflow chambers. The
wastewater enters the chambers at the bottom and needs to pass through the sludge to move up and to the
next compartment. Thereby particles settle against the upstream (SASSE 1998). As the wastewater passes
through the sludge, intensive contact between the active biomass in the resident sludge and newly incoming
wastewater occurs. To equally distribute the entering liquid in the chambers, they should be designed as
relatively short compartments (< 75 cm of length and < 50% to 60% of the height, SASSE 1998). To retain any
possible scum formed in the upflow chamber, the outlets of each tank as well as the final outlet should be
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placed slightly below the liquid surface (SASSE 1998).

The upflow velocity is the most crucial parameter for dimensioning, especially with high hydraulic loading. It
should not exceed 2.0 m/h (SASSE 1998; MOREL & DIENER 2006). Based on a given HRT, the upflow velocity
increases in direct relation to the reactor height. Therefore, the reactor height cannot serve as a variable
parameter to design the reactor for the required HRT. The limited upstream velocity results in large but
shallow tanks. It is for this reason that the baffled reactor is not economical for larger plants (SASSE 1998).
The organic load should be below 3 kg COD/m3/day. Higher loadingrates are possible with higher temperature
and for easily degradable substrates (SASSE 1998).
During the anaerobic digestion, biogas is produced, which can be recovered and reused in the kitchen or for
driving pumps and other equipment when necessary. Methane concentration increases steadily from the first
compartment to the last (WANG et al. 2004). The methane producing activity of anaerobic sludge in different
compartments depends on the substrate, which suggests that the proper anaerobic consortium in each separate
compartment develops in accordance to the substrate available and the specific environmental conditions
(WANG et al. 2004). The use of the produced biogas in the kitchen might be the most realistic and easiest way
to reuse the biogas in decentralised systems. If the gas is not recovered, the tanks need to be vented to
prevent the release of the potentially harmful gases (TILLEY et al. 2008).
To increase the treatment efficiency (especially regarding pathogens), the last chamber may be an anaerobic
filter (WSP 2008).[/noecompendium]
[noecompendium]
Treatment performance

Construction of different toilet blocks connected to two prefabricated fibreglass reactor comprising a settling chamber, an aerobic
baffled reactor and a final anaerobic filter unit. Source: BORDA (2009)[/noecompendium]

[noecompendium]Treatment performance of ABRs is in the range of 65% to 90% COD (Chemical Oxygen
Demand) removal, corresponding to about 70% to 95% of BOD (Biological Oxygen Demand) (SASSE 1998; MOREL
& DIENER 2006; BORDA 2008). This is far superior to that of a conventional septic tank (30 to 50 %, UNEP
2004). The majority of the settleable solids are removed in the sedimentation chamber at the beginning of the
ABR, which typically represents 50 % of the total volume of TSS (TILLEY et al. 2008). The special design also
allows for an enhanced treatment of nonsettleable solids and a Total Suspended Solids (TSS) removal of up to
90% can be achieved (SINGH 2008). The tanks put in series also help to digest substances that are difficult to
degrade, predominantly in the rear part, after easily degradable matters have been digested in the front part
already (SASSE 1998). Consequently, recycling of effluent would have a slightly negative effect on treatment
quality. ABRs can be designed for a daily inflow in a range of some m3/day up to several hundreds of m3/day
(FOXON et al. 2004; TILLEY et al. 2008). The Hydraulic Retention Time (HRT) in ABRs is relatively short and
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varies from only a few hours up to two or three days (FOXON et al. 2004; MOREL & DIENER 2006; TILLEY et al.
2008).
[/noecompendium]
[ecompappropriateness]

HealthAspects/Acceptance
Under normal operating conditions, users do not come in contact with the influent or effluent. Effluent, scum
and sludge must be handled with care as they contain high levels of pathogenic organisms. The effluent
contains odorous compounds that may have to be removed in a further polishing step. Care should be taken to
design and locate the facility such that odours do not bother community members.[noecompendium]
In general, the quality of ABR effluents has been shown to consistently meet guidelines for irrigation regarding
the removal of organics (e.g. COD or BOD) for reuse in agriculture, but not for discharge to surface water
(FOXON et al. 204). The effluents do also contain high amounts of nutrients, ammonia and phosphorus and
these nutrients may be regarded as a resource from an agricultural point of view (FOXON et al. 2004). The
problem is though, that pathogen removal is generally not satisfactory for the reuse in agriculture and when,
only very restricted reuse is recommended.

Costsconsiderations
Septic tank are generally low cost. However, the costs vary depending on the availability of materials and
economy of scale (EAWAG/SANDEC 2008). In any case, ABRs have a high potential to be used in DEWATS. As
they do not require any electricity and are simple to construct and operate, they are generally cheaper than
more mechanical, centralised technology options. ABRs can be constructed with locally available material.
However, expert design is required.[/noecompendium]

Operation&Maintenance
An ABR requires a startup period of several months to reach full treatment capacity since the slow growing
anaerobic biomass first needs to be established in the reactor. To reduce startup time, the ABR can be
inoculated with anaerobic bacteria, e.g., by adding fresh cow dung or septic tank sludge. The added stock of
active bacteria can then multiply and adapt to the incoming wastewater. [noecompendium]In principle, it is
advantageous to start with a quarter of the daily flow and then slightly increase loading rates over three
months, allowing the bacteria enough time to multiply before suspended solids are washed out (SASSE 1998).
As a long start up time is required for the anaerobic digestion of the sludge, the ABR technology should not be
used when the need for a treatment system is immediate (TILLEY et al. 2008). [/noecompendium]Because of
the delicate ecology, care should be taken not to discharge harsh chemicals into the ABR.
Scum and sludge levels need to be monitored to ensure that the tank is functioning well. Process operation in
general is not required, and maintenance is limited to the removal of accumulated sludge and scum every 1 to
3 years[noecompendium] (EAWAG/SANDEC 2008)[/noecompendium]. This is best done using a Motorized
Emptying and Transport technology[noecompendium] or a Humanpowered Emptying and Transport
Technology to avoid that humans get in contact with the sludge and are exposed to health risks (TILLEY et al.
2008)[/noecompendium]. The desludging frequency depends on the chosen pretreatment steps, as well as on
the design of the ABR. [noecompendium]When emptying the tanks, it is vital that some active sludge is left in
each of the compartments to maintain a stable treatment process (SASSE 1998).[/noecompendium]
ABR tanks should be checked from time to time to ensure that they are watertight.
[noecompendium]

AtaGlance

Working Principle

Vertical baffles in the tank force the presettled wastewater to flow under and over
the baffles guaranteeing contact between wastewater and resident sludge and allowing
an enhanced anaerobic digestion of suspended and dissolved solids; at least 1

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sedimentation chamber and 25 upflow chambers.

Community (and household) level; For presettled domestic or (highstrength)
Capacity/Adequacy industrial wastewater of narrow COD/BOD ration. Typically integrated in DEWATS
systems; Not adapted for areas with high groundwater table or prone to flooding.
Performance

70 95% BOD; 80% 90% TSS; Low pathogen reduction.

HRT: 1 to 3 days

Costs

Generally lowcost; depending on availability of materials and economy of scale.

Selfhelp
Compatibility

Requires expert design, but can be constructed with locally available material.

O&M

Should be checked for water tightness, scum and sludge levels regularly; Sludge needs
to be dug out and discharged properly (e.g. in composting or drying bed); needs to be
vented.

Reliability

High resistance to shock loading and changing temperature, pH or chemical

composition of the influent; requires no energy.

Main strengths

Strong resistance; built from local material; biogas can be recovered.

Main weakness

Long startup phase.

[/noecompendium]

Applicability
This technology is easily adaptable and can be applied at the household level, in small neighbourhoods[no
ecompendium] as DEWATS[/noecompendium] or even in bigger catchment areas[noecompendium]
(preferably with a transport system such as a [1577simplified sewer] or a [3664solidsfree sewer] system in
place)[/noecompendium]. It is most appropriate where a relatively constant amount of blackwater and
greywater is generated. A (semi) centralized ABR is appropriate when there is a preexisting Conveyance
technology, such as a [1577Simplified Sewer].[noecompendium] ABRs in DEWATS are also suited for industrial
wastewaters.
Up to several hundreds of m3/day can be treated. However, a good community organisation is required to
ensure that the ABR is used and maintained properly. The effluent is not fully treated and must be disposed of
properly or sent to secondary treatment (EAWAG/SANDEC 2008).[/noecompendium]
This technology is suitable for areas where land may be limited since the tank is most commonly installed
underground and requires a small area. However, a vacuum truck should be able to access the location
because the sludge must be regularly removed (particularly from the settling compartment).[no
ecompendium] Also, it should not be installed in areas with a high groundwater table or prone to flooding as
infiltration will affect the treatment efficiency and contaminate the groundwater.
BORDA has developed prefabricated ABRs made out of fibreglass and including anaerobic filters as a final step
for emergency sanitation (BORDA 2009). Even though startup of the ABR takes several months, these pre
fabricated models are rapidly constructed and can consist in a longterm solution once the startup phase is
completed. Therefore, such prefabricated models might also find more and more application for other than
emergency situations.
Fibreglass is available and affordable in nearly all parts of the world and fibreglass
constructions can be built quickly and well in advance of need (BORDA 2009). However, one should keep in
mind, that the startup of ABR generally requires at least three month.[/noecompendium]
ABRs can be installed in every type of climate, although the efficiency is lower in colder climates. They are
not efficient at removing nutrients and pathogens. The effluent usually requires further treatment.

Advantages
Resistant to organic and hydraulic shock loads
No electrical energy is required
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Low operating costs

Long service life
High reduction of BOD
Low sludge production; the sludge is stabilized
Moderate area requirement (can be built underground)
Simple to operate

Disadvantages
Long startup phase
Requires expert design and construction
Low reduction of pathogens and nutrients
Effluent and sludge require further treatment and/or appropriate discharge
Needs strategy for faecal sludge management (effluent quality rapidly deteriorates if sludge is not
removed regularly)
Needs water to flush
Clear design guidelines are not available yet

References
BACHMANN, A.; BEARD, V. L.; MCCARTY, P. L. (1985): Performance Characteristics of the Anaerobic Baffled Reactor. In: Water Research
19, 99106. London: IWA Publishing.
BARBER, W.P.; STUCKEY D.C. (1999): The use of the anaerobic baffled reactor (ABR) for wastewater treatment A review. In: Wat. Res
33, 7.
BORDA (Editor) (2009): EmSan Emergency Sanitation. An innovative & rapidly installable solution to improve hygiene and health in
emergency situations. (= Concept Note). Bremen: Bremen Overseas Research and Development Association . URL [Accessed:
26.03.2010]. PDF
EAWAG/SANDEC (Editor) (2008): Sanitation Systems and Technologies. Lecture Notes . (= Sandec Training Tool 1.0, Module 4).
Duebendorf: Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science (EAWAG), Department of Water and Sanitation in Developing Countries
(SANDEC). PDF
FOXON, K. M.; BUCKLEY, C. A.; BROUCKAERT, C. J.; DAMA, P.; MTEMBU, Z.; RODDA, N.; SMITH, M.; PILLAY, S.; ARJUNG, N.;
LALBAHADUR, T.; BUX, F. (2006): Evaluation of the Anaerobic Baffled Reactor for Sanitation in Dense Periurban Settlements. (= WRC
Report No 1248/01/06). Pretoria: Water Research Commission. URL [Accessed: 21.08.2014]. PDF
FOXON, K.M.; PILLAY, S.; LALBAHADUR, T.; RODDA, N.; HOLDER, F.; BUCKLEY, C.A. (2004): The anaerobic baffled reactor (ABR) An
appropriate technology for onsite sanitation. In: Water SA 30, 5. PDF
GUTTERER, B.; SASSE, L.; PANZERBIETER, T.; RECKERZGEL, T.; ULRICH, A. (Editor); REUTER, S. (Editor); GUTTERER, B. (Editor) (2009):
Decentralised Wastewater Treatment Systems (DEWATS) and Sanitation in Developing Countries. Loughborough University (UK): Water
Engineering and Deveopment Centre (WEDC). URL [Accessed: 20.03.2014]. PDF
MOREL, A.; DIENER, S. (2006): Greywater Management in Low and MiddleIncome Countries, Review of Different Treatment Systems for
Households or Neighbourhoods. (= SANDEC Report No. 14/06). Duebendorf: Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science (EAWAG),
Department of Water and Sanitation in Developing Countries (SANDEC). URL [Accessed: 19.05.2010]. PDF
SANIMAS (Editor) (2005): Informed Choice Catalogue. pdf presentation. BORDA and USAID. PDF
SASSE, L. ; BORDA (Editor) (1998): DEWATS. Decentralised Wastewater Treatment in Developing Countries. Bremen: Bremen Overseas
Research and Development Association (BORDA). PDF
SINGH, S.; HABERLA, R.; MOOG, O.; SHRESTA, R.R.; SHRESTA, P.; SHRESTA, R. (2009): Performance of an Anaerobic Baffled Reactor and
Hybrid Constructed Wetland treating highstrength Wastewater in Nepal A model for DEWATS . In: Ecological Engineering 35, 654660.
STUCKEY, D. C.; H. H. P. Fang (Editor) (2010): Anaerobic Baffled Reactor (ABR) for Wastewater Treatment. In: H. H. P. Fang (Editor)
(2010): Environmental Anaerobic Technology. London.
SUSANA (Editor) (2010): Decentralized Wastewater Management at Adarsh College Badalapur, Maharashtra, India. Factsheet. (= SuSanA
Factsheet). Eschborn: Sustainable Sanitation Alliance (SuSanA). URL [Accessed: 12.01.2011]. PDF
TILLEY, E.; ULRICH, L.; LUETHI, C.; REYMOND, P.; ZURBRUEGG, C. (2014): Compendium of Sanitation Systems and Technologies. 2nd
Revised Edition. Duebendorf, Switzerland: Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology (Eawag). URL [Accessed:
28.07.2014]. PDF
TILLEY, E.; LUETHI, C.; MOREL, A.; ZURBRUEGG, C.; SCHERTENLEIB, R. (2008): Compendium of Sanitation Systems and Technologies.
Duebendorf, Switzerland: Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology (EAWAG) and Water Supply and Sanitation
Collaborative Council (WSSCC). URL [Accessed: 15.02.2010]. PDF
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See document in FRENCH

U.S. EPA (Editor) (2006): Emerging Technologies for Biosolids Management. (= EPA 832R, 5/6). United States Environmental Protection
Agency, Office of Wastewater Management. PDF
WANG, J.; HUANG, Y.; ZHAO, X. (2004): Performance and Characteristics of an Anaerobic Baffled Reactor. In: Bioresource Technology
93, 205208.
WHO (Editor) (2009): Ecosan Expert Training Course for the Introduction of Ecological Sanitation in Bhutan. (= Training Course Report).
Geneva: World Health Organisation. URL [Accessed: 12.01.2011]. PDF
WSP (Editor) (2008): Technology Options for Urban Sanitation in India. A Guide to DecisionMaking. pdf presentation. New Delhi: Water
and Sanitation Program (WSP). URL [Accessed: 26.03.2010]. PDF

For further readings, case studies, awareness raising material, training material, important weblinks or
the related powerpoint presentation, see www.sswm.info/category/implementationtools/wastewater
treatment/hardware/semicentralisedwastewatertreatments8

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