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Biochar derived from waste iron-rich biosludge promotes iron-nitrogen coupled nitrogen removal in wastewater
Xiaojing Hao1, Wei Zeng1, Qingteng Gong1
1National Engineering Laboratory for Advanced Municipal Wastewater Treatment and Reuse Technology, Department of Environmental Engineering, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing 100124, China.
Abstract:
Traditional biological nitrogen removal faces sustainability challenges due to high energy consumption and chemical demands. This study developed a novel autotrophic process leveraging the Fe-N cycle, enhanced by biochar derived from waste iron-rich biosludge (BC-Fe). During 150-day operation, adding 1 g/L BC-Fe (450 °C) achieved a total nitrogen removal efficiency of 94 ± 1 %, reducing aeration energy by 68 % and eliminating the need for external carbon sources compared to conventional nitrification-denitrification. BC-Fe served as a substrate and electron shuttle, facilitating Fe(III) reduction coupled with anaerobic ammonium oxidation (Feammox), nitrate-dependent Fe(II) oxidation, and denitrification, thereby supplying nitrite for Anammox. It enhanced iron bioavailability and established integrated carbon, nitrogen, and iron cycles, promoting microbial metabolism and system resilience. Metagenomics revealed Candidatus Brocadia fulgida performing Feammox via hao, compensating for hzs/hdh deficiency, while Saprospiraceae utilized biochar-derived organics for denitrification. This work provides a scalable solution to promote circular economy principles in wastewater treatment.
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