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Published on: December 25, 2015
Sequential nitrification-denitrification process for nitrogenous, sulfurous and phenolic compounds removal in the
A De la Torre-Velasco1, R Beristain-Cardoso, P Damian-Matsumura
1Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana-Iztapalapa, Department of Biotechnology, Av., San Rafael Atlixco 186, C.P. 09340, Mexico.
Aerobic granular sludge efficiently removes ammonium, 4-methylphenol, and sulfide. This study demonstrates simultaneous pollutant removal via sequential nitrification-denitrification in a single bioreactor.
Area of Science:
- Environmental microbiology
- Wastewater treatment technologies
- Bioreactor engineering
Background:
- Aerobic granular sludge (AGS) is a promising wastewater treatment technology.
- Simultaneous removal of multiple pollutants like ammonium, 4-methylphenol, and sulfide is challenging.
- Understanding the metabolic pathways in AGS for complex pollutant degradation is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the kinetic and metabolic behavior of AGS for nitrification, denitrification, and combined nitrification-denitrification.
- To assess the simultaneous removal efficiency of ammonium, 4-methylphenol, and sulfide using AGS.
- To investigate the sequential nitrification-denitrification process in a single bioreactor.
Main Methods:
- Batch culture experiments were conducted to assess AGS performance.
- Nitrification and denitrification controls were established to evaluate individual processes.
- Sequential oxic/anoxic conditions were applied to simulate the nitrification-denitrification process.
Main Results:
- AGS efficiently consumed ammonium, 4-methylphenol, and sulfide, converting them to nitrate, CO2, and S(0)/SO4(2-).
- Denitrification control showed efficient consumption of S(0) and nitrate, yielding SO4(2-) and N2.
- Sequential nitrification-denitrification achieved high removal rates, with a molecular nitrogen yield (YN2) of 1.03 ± 0.06 mg/mg NH4(+)-N.
Conclusions:
- Aerobic granular sludge demonstrates a high capacity for simultaneous removal of ammonium, 4-methylphenol, and sulfide.
- The sequential nitrification-denitrification process in a single bioreactor is effective for comprehensive wastewater treatment.
- This study presents a novel approach for efficient pollutant removal using AGS.
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