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Updated: May 10, 2026
07:59
Estimating Sediment Denitrification Rates Using Cores and N2O Microsensors
Published on: December 6, 2018
[Effect of C/N ratio on nitrite accumulation during denitrification process]
Yi Yuan1, Yong Huang, Hui-Ping Deng
1School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China. yiyuansuzhou@163.com
Huan Jing Ke Xue= Huanjing Kexue
|June 27, 2013
Summary
Optimizing the carbon-to-nitrogen (C/N) ratio is key for enhancing nitrite accumulation during denitrification. Ratios of 2.5 to 3.0 in sequencing batch reactors (SBRs) favor higher nitrite accumulation.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Microbiology
- Chemical Engineering
Context:
- Denitrification is a crucial microbial process for removing nitrogen from wastewater.
- Nitrite accumulation is an intermediate step in denitrification, and controlling it is vital for optimizing nitrogen removal efficiency.
- Sequencing batch reactors (SBRs) are commonly used for biological wastewater treatment.
Purpose:
- To investigate the effect of the carbon-to-nitrogen (C/N) ratio on nitrite accumulation during denitrification.
- To determine the optimal C/N ratio for maximizing nitrite accumulation in an SBR using acetic sodium as the electron donor.
Summary:
- The study explored the impact of varying C/N ratios on nitrite accumulation in an SBR. Results indicated that C/N ratios of 2.5 and 3.0 yielded the highest nitrite accumulation ratios, reaching approximately 47.50% and 45.28%, respectively.
- While C/N ratios between 2.5 and 4.0 did not significantly impact nitrate reduction rates, they strongly influenced nitrite accumulation rates. C/N ratios of 2.5 and 3.0 were found to be favorable for nitrite accumulation, whereas ratios greater than or equal to 3.5 led to a decrease in accumulation.
Impact:
- Provides crucial insights for optimizing denitrification processes in wastewater treatment by controlling the C/N ratio.
- Offers practical guidance for engineers and researchers aiming to enhance nitrite accumulation for specific treatment strategies, such as partial nitrification.
- Contributes to the development of more efficient and cost-effective nitrogen removal technologies.
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