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A Novel Bioreactor for High Density Cultivation of Diverse Microbial Communities

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Published on: December 25, 2015

Use of biopolymers as solid substrates for denitrification.

A L Rodrigues¹, A Mosquera-Corral, A V Machado

¹IBB - Institute for Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Centre of Biological Engineering, University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar 4700-057 Braga, Portugal. alexandrina@deb.uminho.pt

Water Science and Technology : a Journal of the International Association on Water Pollution Research

|December 17, 2011

Summary

This study explored solid substrates for water denitrification, finding starch and polycaprolactone (PCL) highly effective. This method reduces risks associated with traditional dissolved organic carbon addition in biological denitrification.

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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

Measurement of the Potential Rates of Dissimilatory Nitrate Reduction to Ammonium Based on ¹⁴NH₄⁺/¹⁵NH₄⁺ Analyses via Sequential Conversion to N₂O

Published on: October 7, 2020

Area of Science:

Environmental Science
Microbiology
Water Treatment

Background:

Conventional biological denitrification uses dissolved organic carbon (DOC), risking water quality degradation.
Developing alternative electron donors for denitrification is crucial for sustainable water treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

To evaluate the denitrification activity of microbial cultures using solid substrates: polycaprolactone (PCL), polylactic acid (PLA), and starch.
To compare the efficacy of a mixed microbial culture and pure Pseudomonas stutzeri in nitrate removal.

Main Methods:

Assessing specific denitrification rates using starch, PCL, and PLA as solid substrates.
Utilizing a mixed microbial culture and a pure culture of Pseudomonas stutzeri.
Quantifying nitrate reduction in mg N(2)-N/(g VSS.d).

Main Results:

A mixed microbial culture with starch showed the highest nitrate reduction (104 mg N(2)-N/(g VSS.d)).
Polycaprolactone (PCL) also demonstrated high activity (97 mg N(2)-N/(g VSS.d)), followed by polylactic acid (PLA) (53 mg N(2)-N/(g VSS.d)).
Solid substrates significantly reduced the risk of soluble biodegradable organic carbon contamination.

Conclusions:

Solid substrates like starch and PCL are effective electron donors for water denitrification.
Biopolymer utilization offers a safer alternative to conventional methods, minimizing water quality risks.
This approach enhances the sustainability of biological denitrification processes.