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Published on: October 15, 2015
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Mixed carbon source improves deep denitrification performance in up-flow anaerobic sludge bed reactor
Hong Xiao1, Jiaojiao Wu1, Hong Peng1
1College of Environmental Sciences, Sichuan Agricultural University, 611130 Chengdu, Sichuan, China
Summary
A mixed carbon source of sodium acetate and glucose offers a cost-effective solution for deep denitrification, maintaining optimal effluent pH and enhancing microbial diversity compared to single carbon sources.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Microbiology
- Chemical Engineering
Background:
- Deep denitrification requires an effective carbon source for optimal performance.
- Single carbon sources like sodium acetate or glucose have limitations in efficiency, pH control, and cost.
- Understanding the impact of mixed carbon sources on microbial communities is crucial for wastewater treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the advantages of using a mixed carbon source (sodium acetate/glucose) compared to single sources for deep denitrification.
- To assess denitrification performance, effluent pH, microbial community structure, and cost-effectiveness.
- To provide insights for practical selection of carbon sources in wastewater treatment.
Main Methods:
- Comparative study using sodium acetate, glucose, and a mixture as carbon sources.
- Monitoring of nitrate-nitrogen (NO3--N) removal rates and specific denitrification rates.
- Analysis of effluent pH and microbial community structure using 16S rRNA gene-based high-throughput sequencing.
- Cost estimation for different carbon sources.
Main Results:
- Mixed carbon source achieved a 96.53% NO3--N removal rate, comparable to sodium acetate (98.15%) but significantly higher than glucose (74.69%).
- The mixed carbon source reactor maintained effluent pH within the acceptable range (7.80-8.23), unlike sodium acetate alone (9.13-9.60).
- Microbial community analysis showed the highest sludge Shannon index with the mixed carbon source, indicating greater diversity.
- The mixed carbon source was the most cost-effective option.
Conclusions:
- A mixed carbon source of sodium acetate and glucose is a viable and advantageous alternative for deep denitrification.
- This approach improves effluent pH control and microbial community diversity while being economically efficient.
- The findings support the practical selection of mixed carbon sources for enhanced deep denitrification processes.
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