Removal of nitrogen from industrial wastewaters by three-step nitrification and denitrification

The removal of nitrogen from industrial wastewaters carrying about 1,000 mg NH4-N and urea-N/l was investigated on a laboratory scale. The use of a three-step nitryfying activated sludge with adjustment of pH from step to step resulted in 99% oxidation of both forms of nitrogen to nitrites. The efficiency of nitrification was 18 mg N/l/h. Total time of wastewater aeration depended on nitrogen concentration and was 33-54 hours. Complete dentrification of NO2-N was obtained in packed-bed reactor with the use of acetic acid as a carbon source. Efficiency of denitrification was 361 mg N/l/h.