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Updated: Jun 21, 2026

Electrochemically and Bioelectrochemically Induced Ammonium Recovery
Published on: January 22, 2015
Long-term operation of a partial nitritation pilot plant treating leachate with extremely high ammonium concentration
Ramon Ganigué1, Jordi Gabarró, Alexandre Sànchez-Melsió
1Laboratory of Chemical and Environmental Engineering (LEQUIA), Institute of the Environment, University of Girona, Campus Montilivi s/n, Facultat de Ciències, E-17071 Girona, Catalonia, Spain. ramon@lequia.udg.cat
Abstract:
The goal of this work was to demonstrate the feasibility of treating leachate with high ammonium concentrations using the SBR technology, as a preparative step for the treatment in an anammox reactor. The cycle was based on a step-feed strategy, alternating anoxic and aerobic conditions. Results of the study verified the viability of this process, treating an influent with concentration up to 5000 mg N-NH(4)(+) L(-1). An effluent with about 1500-2000 mg N-NH(4)(+) L(-1) and 2000-3000 mg N-NO(2)(-) L(-1) was achieved, presenting a nitrite to ammonium molar ratio close to the 1.32 required by the anammox. Furthermore, taking advantage of the biodegradable organic matter, the operational strategy allowed denitrifying about 200 mg N-NO(2)(-) L(-1). The extreme operational conditions during the long-term resulted on the selection of a sole AOB phylotype, identified by molecular techniques as Nitrosomonas sp. IWT514.
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