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Measurement of the Potential Rates of Dissimilatory Nitrate Reduction to Ammonium Based on 14NH4+/15NH4+ Analyses via Sequential Conversion to N2O
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Advancing post-anoxic denitrification for biological nutrient removal.

Matt Winkler1, Erik R Coats, Cynthia K Brinkman

  • 1Department of Civil Engineering, University of Idaho, PO Box 441022, Moscow, ID 83844-1022, USA.

Water Research
|September 23, 2011
PubMed
Summary

This study shows that post-anoxic biological nutrient removal (BNR) effectively removes nitrogen and phosphorus from wastewater. Preventing surface oxygen transfer improved nitrogen removal, especially during low ammonia loads.

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Area of Science:

  • Environmental Engineering
  • Microbiology
  • Wastewater Treatment

Background:

  • Biological Nutrient Removal (BNR) is crucial for wastewater treatment.
  • Post-anoxic denitrification offers a unique approach to nutrient removal.
  • Understanding factors influencing BNR is essential for optimizing treatment processes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To understand post-anoxic denitrification for biological nutrient removal (BNR).
  • To investigate the effects of surface oxygen transfer (SOT), variable loadings, and operational conditions on nitrogen and phosphorus removal.
  • To elucidate the role of biomass glycogen and polyphosphate-accumulating organisms (PAOs) in the process.

Main Methods:

  • Operated two sequencing batch reactors (SBRs) in an anaerobic/aerobic/anoxic mode for over 250 days using municipal wastewater.
  • Compared performance with and without surface oxygen transfer (SOT).
  • Assessed process performance under varying substrate types (VFA, acetate) and influent loads (phosphorus, ammonia).
  • Utilized quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) to identify microbial populations (PAOs, GAOs).

Main Results:

  • Achieved near-complete (>99%) removal of inorganic nitrogen and phosphorus.
  • Effluent concentrations were consistently low (<1.0 mgN/L and <0.14 mgP/L).
  • Preventing SOT enhanced nitrogen removal and maintained phosphorus removal during low ammonia loading.
  • Denitrification rates correlated linearly with biomass glycogen concentration.
  • Polyphosphate-accumulating organisms (PAOs) were more abundant in the covered reactor during low ammonia periods.

Conclusions:

  • Post-anoxic BNR is highly effective for achieving stringent nitrogen and phosphorus discharge limits.
  • Controlling SOT can optimize nitrogen removal and enhance phosphorus removal stability under challenging conditions.
  • Biomass glycogen content is a key factor influencing denitrification rates.
  • The process is robust, with minimal adverse impact from GAO presence and limited secondary phosphorus release.