In this embodiment, it is desirable to enforce the anaerobicity in the anaerobic tank and promote the release of phosphorus. Consequently, it is desirable to introduce the sludge which has been solubilized in the solubilizing means into the anaerobic tank after it has been subjected to a fermentation treatment.
In the immediately aforementioned apparatus for the biological removal of phosphorus, the aforementioned solubilized sludge returning means may supply only some of the sludge which has been solubilized in the aforementioned solubilizing means to the aforementioned fermentation tank, and there may be provided a means by which the remainder sludge which has been solubilized in said solubilizing means is supplied to the aforementioned second solid/liquid separating means.
With the aforementioned apparatus for the biological removal of phosphorus, the phosphorus dissolved out from the sludge by solubilization can be transferred into the separated liquid in the second solid/liquid separating means, and so the phosphorus removal efficiency is increased.
In any of the aforementioned apparati for the biological removal of phosphorus, there may be provided a means which supplies some of the sludge which has been subjected to a fermentation treatment in the aforementioned fermentation tank to the aforementioned second solid/liquid separating means.