Pyrite-based autotrophic denitrification for remediation of nitrate contaminated groundwater
Jiaoyang Pu1, Chuanping Feng1, Ying Liu2
1Key Laboratory of Groundwater Circulation and Evolution (China University of Geosciences, Beijing), Ministry of Education, No. 29 Xueyuan Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100083, China; School of Water Resources and Environment, China University of Geosciences (Beijing), No. 29 Xueyuan Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100083, China.
Abstract:
In this study, pyrite-based denitrification using untreated pyrite (UP) and acid-pretreated pyrite (AP) was evaluated as an alternative to elemental sulfur based denitrification. Pyrite-based denitrification resulted in a favorable nitrate removal rate constant (0.95 d(-1)), sulfate production of 388.00 mg/L, and a stable pH. The pretreatment of pyrite with acid led to a further increase in the nitrate removal rate constant (1.03 d(-1)) and reduction in initial sulfate concentration (224.25±7.50 mg/L). By analyzing the microbial community structure using Denaturing Gradient Gel Electrophoresis, it was confirmed that Sulfurimonas denitrificans (S. denitrificans) could utilize pyrite as an electron donor. A stable pH was observed over the entire experimental period, indicating that the use of a pH buffer reagent would not be necessary for pyrite-based denitrification. Therefore, pyrite could effectively replace elemental sulfur as an electron donor in autotrophic denitrification for nitrate-contaminated groundwater remediation.
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