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Improved efficiency and stability using a novel elemental sulfur-based moving-bed denitrification process.

Jia-Min Xu1, Hu-Yi Zi1, Hao-Ran Xu1

  • 1State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resources and Environment, School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology Shenzhen, Shenzhen 518055, China.

Water Research
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Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

A novel moving-bed reactor using elemental sulfur for denitrification significantly improves nutrient removal efficiency. This advanced system offers a more stable and faster denitrification rate compared to traditional fixed-bed reactors.

Keywords:
Biofilm thicknessHydrodynamicMoving-bedScrew rotatorSulfur denitrification

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Area of Science:

  • Environmental Science
  • Microbiology
  • Chemical Engineering

Background:

  • Elemental sulfur-based denitrification (ESDeN) is a cost-effective method for nutrient removal from low-organic water.
  • Traditional fixed-bed reactors (FixBR) for ESDeN exhibit low denitrification rates and long-term performance issues.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To develop and evaluate a novel elemental sulfur-based denitrifying moving-bed reactor (ESDeN-MovBR) with enhanced performance.
  • To investigate the mechanisms behind the improved denitrification efficiency in the ESDeN-MovBR system.

Main Methods:

  • A screw rotator was used to create microfluidization of sulfur particles in a vertical-loop movement within the moving-bed reactor.
  • Performance comparison between the novel ESDeN-MovBR and the traditional ESDeN-FixBR, including denitrification rate and intermediate byproduct analysis.
  • Analysis of biofilm properties and hydraulic retention time to understand performance improvements.

Main Results:

  • The ESDeN-MovBR demonstrated a 3.09-fold higher denitrification rate and over one order of magnitude lower nitrite (NO2-) and nitrous oxide (N2O) yield compared to ESDeN-FixBR.
  • Stable performance was maintained for over 100 days.
  • Microfluidization enhanced actual hydraulic retention time by over 80% and resulted in thinner biofilms enriched with autotrophic denitrifiers.

Conclusions:

  • The ESDeN-MovBR offers a significant advancement in ESDeN technology, providing superior and stable denitrification performance.
  • Microfluidization and controlled biofilm properties are key factors for boosting denitrification efficiency.
  • This study highlights the importance of biofilm thickness management in ESDeN systems.