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Biological N removal from wastes generated from amine-based CO2 capture: case monoethanolamine
Ingrid Hauser1, Ana B Colaço, Julie A Skjæran
1Department of Biotechnology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), 7491, Trondheim, Norway. ingrid.hauser@ntnu.no
Applied Biochemistry and Biotechnology
|January 15, 2013
Summary
Biological nitrogen removal is effective in wastewater contaminated with monoethanolamine (MEA). Pre-denitrification systems show superior performance for MEA-treated effluents, achieving high removal rates without additional carbon sources.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Biotechnology
- Chemical Engineering
Background:
- Amine-based carbon capture processes generate wastewater rich in ammonia and contaminants like monoethanolamine (MEA).
- Effective treatment of MEA-contaminated effluents is crucial for sustainable CO2 capture technologies.
- Understanding biological nitrogen removal mechanisms in the presence of MEA is essential.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate biological nitrogen removal from MEA-contaminated wastewater using both pre- and post-denitrification systems.
- To elucidate the rate-limiting factors for nitrification and biodegradation of MEA.
- To compare the efficiency of pre-denitrification versus post-denitrification for MEA-laden effluents.
Main Methods:
- Hydrolysis of MEA to ammonia was assessed in both pre- and post-denitrification systems.
- Nitrogen removal efficiency, MEA biodegradation, and organic matter removal were quantified.
- Hydraulic retention time was maintained at 7 hours for treatment systems.
Main Results:
- Rapid hydrolysis of MEA to ammonia occurred in both treatment systems within 7 hours.
- High removal efficiencies were achieved: MEA removal ≥99% and total nitrogen removal 77%.
- Pre-denitrification demonstrated an advantage over post-denitrification for biological nitrogen removal from MEA effluents.
Conclusions:
- Biological nitrogen removal is feasible and effective in MEA-contaminated wastewater.
- Pre-denitrification is the preferred configuration for treating MEA-laden effluents.
- High removal of total nitrogen and organic matter was achieved without external carbon sources.
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