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A Novel Bioreactor for High Density Cultivation of Diverse Microbial Communities
Published on: December 25, 2015
Performance analysis and optimization of autotrophic nitrogen removal in different reactor configurations: a
Pieter Veys1, Helge Vandeweyer, Wim Audenaert
1Department of Industrial Engineering and Technology, University College West Flanders, Graaf Karel de Goedelaan 5, B-8500 Kortrijk, Belgium.
Environmental Technology
|December 3, 2010
Summary
Autotrophic nitrogen removal, combining partial nitritation and Anammox, offers sustainable treatment for nitrogen-rich wastewater. Separated reactors provide wider optimal conditions than single-reactor systems.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Engineering
- Wastewater Treatment Technologies
- Biotechnology
Background:
- Nitrogen-rich wastewater poses environmental challenges.
- Sustainable nitrogen removal is crucial for water quality.
- Partial nitritation combined with Anammox is a promising autotrophic nitrogen removal technique.
Purpose of the Study:
- To model and optimize process conditions for autotrophic nitrogen removal.
- To investigate the influence of key parameters on different reactor configurations.
- To compare single-reactor and separated reactor systems for partial nitritation and Anammox.
Main Methods:
- A mathematical model was developed to simulate nitrogen removal processes.
- The model was validated against experimental data from the literature.
- Simulations were performed for three reactor configurations: single partial nitritation, single Anammox, and combined partial nitritation-Anammox.
Main Results:
- The model showed good agreement with experimental data for all configurations.
- Separated partial nitritation and Anammox reactors offered a broader range of optimal operating conditions.
- Aeration control, ammonium loading rate, and temperature were critical for partial nitritation success.
- Heterotrophic bacteria were present in all systems, interacting with Anammox and ammonium oxidizers.
Conclusions:
- Separated reactor systems are more robust for autotrophic nitrogen removal than single-reactor configurations.
- Precise control of aeration, ammonium loading, and temperature is essential for efficient partial nitritation.
- The presence and interaction of heterotrophs do not impede the overall nitrogen removal process.
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