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Nitrogen removal from digester supernatant via nitrite--SBR or SHARON?
1Swiss Federal Institute for Environmental Science and Technology (EAWAG), Ueberlandstrasse 133, 8600 Duebendorf, Switzerland.
Summary
This study explored separate biological nitrogen removal from wastewater, achieving high denitrification rates using sequencing batch reactors (SBR) and SHARON processes. These methods offer cost-effective nitrogen elimination with efficient substrate consumption.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Engineering
- Microbiology
- Water Treatment
Background:
- Municipal wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) generate digester supernatant rich in nitrogen.
- Effective nitrogen removal is crucial for preventing eutrophication and meeting environmental regulations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate separate biological nitrogen elimination from WWTP digester supernatant.
- To compare the efficiency and costs of Sequencing Batch Reactor (SBR) and SHARON processes for nitrogen removal.
Main Methods:
- Pilot and full-scale studies using SBR and Continuous Stirred Tank Reactor (CSTR)/SHARON configurations.
- Investigated denitrification via nitrite and suppression of nitrite oxidation using controlled aerobic/anaerobic intervals.
- Evaluated nitrogen removal efficiency, substrate consumption, and operational costs.
Main Results:
- SBR achieved 90% nitrogen load denitrification with a 1.6-day HRT and 15-20 day sludge age.
- SHARON process required >4 days HRT at 29°C for full nitrogen elimination.
- SBR costs were €1.4/kg N removed, SHARON €1.63/kg N removed; SBR required less tank volume.
Conclusions:
- Separate biological nitrogen removal is feasible and efficient using SBR and SHARON processes.
- SBR demonstrated higher efficiency and lower costs compared to the SHARON process for this application.
- Optimized operational parameters, like short aerobic/anaerobic intervals in SBR, are key for effective nitrite-based denitrification.