Autotrophic nitrogen removal over nitrite in a sponge-bed trickling filter
J A Sánchez Guillén1, L K M C B Jayawardana2, C M Lopez Vazquez2
1Environmental Engineering and Water Technology Department, UNESCO-IHE, PO Box 3015, 2601 DA Delft, The Netherlands; Faculty of Civil Engineering and Geosciences, Department of Water Management, Delft University of Technology, PO Box 5048, 2600 GA Delft, The Netherlands.
Bioresource Technology
|April 12, 2015
Summary
Partial nitritation in sponge-bed trickling filters (STF) achieved significant nitrogen removal. These filters offer a feasible alternative for autotrophic nitrogen removal over nitrite, supporting nitrifier and Anammox bacteria coexistence.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Engineering
- Microbiology
Background:
- Wastewater treatment often relies on biological nitrogen removal processes.
- Partial nitritation is a key step in advanced nitrogen removal strategies.
- Sponge-bed trickling filters (STF) offer a unique matrix for microbial growth.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate partial nitritation in STF under natural air circulation.
- To evaluate the impact of sponge thickness on nitrogen removal efficiency.
- To assess the coexistence of nitrifying and Anammox bacteria in STF.
Main Methods:
- Two STF reactors (STF-1 and STF-2) were operated at 30°C with different sponge thicknesses (0.75cm and 1.50cm).
- Natural air circulation was employed.
- Nitrogen removal rates, including ammonium and total nitrogen, were monitored over 114 days.
Main Results:
- STF-2 (1.50cm sponge) achieved higher ammonium removal (81.6%) compared to STF-1 (69.3%).
- Total nitrogen removal was comparable between reactors (54% in STF-2 and 52.2% in STF-1).
- Favorable conditions for nitrifier and Anammox bacteria coexistence were observed.
Conclusions:
- Partial nitritation in STF systems is a viable method for nitrogen removal.
- STF design and operational parameters influence nitrogen removal efficiency.
- Autotrophic nitrogen removal over nitrite is feasible in STF configurations.
Related Concept Videos
01:20Overview of Nitrogen Metabolism
12.6K
Nitrogen is a very important element for life because it is a major constituent of proteins and nucleic acids. It is a macronutrient, and in nature, it is recycled from organic compounds and stored in the form of ammonia, ammonium ions, nitrate, nitrite, or nitrogen gas by many metabolic processes. Many of these metabolic processes are carried out only by prokaryotes.
The largest pool of nitrogen available in the terrestrial ecosystem is gaseous nitrogen (N2) from the air, but this...
The largest pool of nitrogen available in the terrestrial ecosystem is gaseous nitrogen (N2) from the air, but this...
12.6K
01:22Inorganic Nitrogen Assimilation
862
Nitrogen is an essential element in biological systems, forming a crucial component of proteins, nucleic acids, and other cellular constituents. Many bacteria and archaea acquire nitrogen in the form of nitrate (NO₃⁻) or ammonia (NH₃), which are then assimilated into biomolecules through specific enzymatic pathways.Assimilatory Nitrate ReductionWhen nitrate enters the cell, it undergoes a two-step reduction process known as assimilatory nitrate reduction. Initially, the enzyme...
862
01:15Metabolism of Chemolithotrophs
1.3K
Chemolithotrophs are microorganisms that obtain energy by oxidizing inorganic molecules such as hydrogen gas (H₂), ammonia (NH₃), reduced sulfur compounds (H₂S, S²⁻), and ferrous iron (Fe²⁺). Unlike heterotrophic organisms that rely on organic carbon, chemolithotrophs transfer electrons from these inorganic donors to the electron transport chain (ETC), generating a proton motive force (PMF) that drives ATP synthesis through oxidative phosphorylation.
1.3K
01:49The Nitrogen Cycle
61.6K
Nitrogen atoms, present in all proteins and DNA, are recycled between abiotic and biotic components of the ecosystem. However, the primary form of nitrogen on Earth is nitrogen gas, which cannot be used by most animals and plants. Thus, nitrogen gas must first be converted into a usable form by nitrogen-fixing bacteria before it can be cycled through other living organisms. The use of nitrogen-containing fertilizers and animal waste products in human agriculture has greatly influenced the...
61.6K
01:25Microbial Mats
59
Microbial communities forming biofilms and mats represent complex, spatially structured ecosystems where metabolic processes are stratified according to light, oxygen, and nutrient gradients. Biofilms are initial colonization stages, only a few millimeters thick, while mature microbial mats can reach centimeter-scale thickness and display intricate vertical organization. Their structural and functional heterogeneity allows microorganisms to occupy distinct ecological niches within a few...
59
01:30Anoxygenic Photosynthesis
1.8K
Anoxygenic photosynthesis is a phototrophic process that captures light energy to drive carbon fixation without producing molecular oxygen. Unlike oxygenic photosynthesis, which utilizes water as an electron donor and releases oxygen, anoxygenic phototrophs use alternative electron donors such as hydrogen sulfide (H₂S), elemental sulfur (S⁰), or thiosulfate (S₂O₃²⁻). This process is carried out by diverse groups of bacteria, including purple bacteria, green...
1.8K