[Removing nitrate-nitrogen from wastewater using rotten wood as carbon source]
Ya-Li Sun1, Guo-Chen Zhang, Zhong Yan
1Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, China. yali.sun99@gmail.com
Huan Jing Ke Xue= Huanjing Kexue
|August 12, 2010
Summary
Rotten wood effectively removes nitrate from wastewater, acting as a continuous carbon source for denitrification. This sustainable material achieved over 80% nitrate removal efficiency in laboratory studies.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Microbiology
- Water Treatment Technologies
Context:
- Wastewater treatment often requires efficient nitrate removal to prevent eutrophication.
- Identifying sustainable and cost-effective carbon sources for denitrification is crucial.
Purpose:
- To investigate rotten wood as a sole carbon source and biofilm carrier for nitrate removal.
- To evaluate the chemical oxygen demand (COD) and volatile fatty acid (VFA) release from rotten wood.
- To assess the nitrate removal efficiency and operational stability in an up-flow reactor.
Summary:
- Rotten wood continuously released carbon sources, with humus-inoculated wood showing significantly higher COD and VFA compared to sterilized wood.
- Denitrification experiments at 25°C with 30 mg/L NO3(-)-N and 12h hydraulic retention time yielded over 80% nitrate removal efficiency.
- A decline in efficiency was noted after 46 days, indicating potential long-term operational considerations.
Impact:
- Rotten wood demonstrates potential as an effective and sustainable carbon source for biological nitrate removal in wastewater.
- This research offers a novel approach to utilizing waste materials in water treatment processes.
- Further studies can optimize rotten wood application for enhanced long-term denitrification performance.
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