Biological nitrate removal processes from drinking water supply-a review
Anoushiravan Mohseni-Bandpi, David Jack Elliott, Mohammad Ali Zazouli1
1Department of Environmental Health Engineering, Health Sciences Research Center and Faculty of Health, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran. zazoli49@yahoo.com.
Journal of Environmental Health Science & Engineering
|December 21, 2013
Summary
This review compares heterotrophic and autotrophic methods for removing nitrate from water. Heterotrophic denitrification uses carbon sources like methanol, while autotrophic methods avoid organic inputs but face challenges with slow bacterial growth and low removal rates.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Microbiology
- Water Treatment
Background:
- Nitrate contamination in water supplies poses significant environmental and health risks.
- Effective nitrate removal technologies are crucial for ensuring safe drinking water.
- Both biological and chemical methods exist, with biological processes offering sustainable solutions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review and compare heterotrophic and autotrophic biological processes for nitrate removal from water.
- To evaluate the performance of different carbon sources in heterotrophic denitrification.
- To assess the advantages and limitations of autotrophic nitrate removal.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of heterotrophic and autotrophic denitrification processes.
- Comparison of process performance based on nitrate and nitrite residuals.
- Evaluation of carbon source efficiency and toxicity potential.
Main Results:
- Commonly used carbon sources for heterotrophic denitrification include methanol, ethanol, and acetic acid.
- Process performance varies with carbon source, affecting nitrate and nitrite residuals and toxicity.
- Autotrophic nitrate removal offers an organic carbon-free advantage but is hindered by slow bacterial growth and low removal rates.
Conclusions:
- Heterotrophic denitrification is widely implemented with various organic carbon sources.
- Autotrophic denitrification presents challenges for large-scale application due to slow kinetics.
- Further research may optimize autotrophic processes for broader implementation in water treatment.
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