Abstract: “Using distillery spent wash as a substrate, an experimental work was carried out with an intention to get accelerated granulation by Chitosan and Aluminum sulphate. Reactor was operated at a Sludge Loading Rate (SLR) of 0.687 kg COD/kg volatile suspended solids (VSS) per day, at an Organic Loading Rate (OLR) of 4 kg COD/m3.d and Hydraulic Retention Time (HRT) of 12 hours. Granulation was achieved on 21st day VFA/ Alkalinity ratio had ranged from 0.2 to 0.48 . On 21st day, at an OLR of 12 kg COD/m3/day, with COD removal efficiency of 82 % and methane production of 2.2 L/L day. Spherical granules of average diameter of 2.0 mm were observed. Thus both chitosan and Aluminum sulphate had a positive effect on the growth of granules.”

Keywords: Organic Loading Rate , Hydraulic Retention Time, granulation, Expanded Granular Sludge Bed (EGSB).