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Updated: Apr 4, 2026

Estimating Sediment Denitrification Rates Using Cores and N2O Microsensors
Published on: December 6, 2018
Optimization of nitrate removal from wastewater with a low C/N ratio using solid-phase denitrification
Qian Zhang1, Fangying Ji1, Xiaoyi Xu2
1Key Laboratory of Three Gorges Reservoir Region's Eco-Environment, Ministry of Education, National Centre for International Research of Low-carbon and Green Buildings, Faculty of Urban Construction and Environmental Engineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400045, China.
Solid-phase denitrification effectively removes nitrate from low C/N wastewater using biodegradable polymers. Optimal conditions achieved 99.23% nitrate removal, demonstrating a viable wastewater treatment strategy.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Environmental Engineering
- Water Treatment
Background:
- Nitrate contamination in wastewater poses environmental risks.
- Low C/N ratio wastewater presents challenges for conventional denitrification.
- Biodegradable polymers offer a sustainable alternative carbon source for denitrification.
Purpose of the Study:
- To optimize nitrate removal from low C/N wastewater using solid-phase denitrification.
- To investigate the effectiveness of biodegradable polymers as a carbon source and biofilm support.
- To develop a predictive model for nitrate removal efficiency.
Main Methods:
- Central Composite Design (CCD) and Response Surface Methodology (RSM) were employed for experimental design and optimization.
- A secondary polynomial regression model was developed to predict nitrate removal efficiency.
- Statistical analysis including ANOVA was used to determine significant factors.
Main Results:
- The nitrate removal model was highly significant (P < 0.0001).
- Optimal conditions (HRT: 3.5 h, Influent NO3(-)-N: 14.73 mg/L, Influent CODCr: 15.00 mg/L) yielded 99.23% nitrate removal efficiency.
- Hydraulic retention time (HRT) and influent nitrate nitrogen concentration significantly impacted removal efficiency.
Conclusions:
- Solid-phase denitrification with biodegradable polymers is highly effective for nitrate removal from low C/N wastewater.
- The developed model accurately predicts nitrate removal efficiency under optimized conditions.
- Biodegradable polymer degradation provides sufficient electron donors, making influent CODCr concentration less critical than HRT and nitrate levels.
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