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[Partial nitrification in SBR under normal temperature and limited oxygen condition].

Zhi-yong Tian¹, Dong Li, Xiang-sheng Cao

¹Key Laboratory of Beijing for Water Quality Science and Water Environment Recovery Engineering, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing 100022, China. tzy@emails.bjut.edu.cn

Huan Jing Ke Xue= Huanjing Kexue

|July 22, 2008

Summary

Partial nitrification in a SBR reactor successfully produced optimal influent for the ANAMMOX process. Controlling alkalinity and dissolved oxygen (DO) enabled precise ammonium to nitrite conversion for efficient wastewater treatment.

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Area of Science:

Environmental microbiology
Wastewater treatment engineering
Biochemical reaction kinetics

Context:

Secondary wastewater treatment often requires further processing to remove nitrogen compounds.
The anaerobic ammonium oxidation (ANAMMOX) process is an efficient method for nitrogen removal but requires specific influent conditions.
Achieving partial nitrification to produce nitrite (NO2-) from ammonium (NH4+) is crucial for feeding the ANAMMOX process.

Purpose:

To investigate the feasibility of partial nitrification in a Sequencing Batch Reactor (SBR) under controlled conditions.
To determine the optimal operational parameters, specifically alkalinity and dissolved oxygen (DO), for achieving the desired ammonium-to-nitrite ratio for ANAMMOX.
To establish a reliable method for producing suitable influent for the ANAMMOX process from secondary wastewater.

Summary:

Partial nitrification of ammonium to nitrite was achieved in an SBR reactor with limited dissolved oxygen (0.3-0.4 mg/L) and temperatures between 14.1-24.2°C.
Control of alkalinity and monitoring of DO profiles, particularly a characteristic jump point, effectively signaled the endpoint for partial nitrification.
The bicarbonate/ammonium ratio was identified as the key factor influencing the nitrification ratio (NO2-/NH4+), enabling the production of the correct substrate for the ANAMMOX process.

Impact:

This study demonstrates a controllable method for partial nitrification, optimizing wastewater treatment efficiency.
The findings provide a pathway for enhancing nitrogen removal in wastewater treatment plants by facilitating the ANAMMOX process.
Successful implementation of this method can lead to improved effluent quality and reduced operational costs in biological nutrient removal systems.