Nitrite shunt is an economical nitrogen removal process that can reduce up to 25% in aeration costs and 40% in biomass production by minimizing the activities of nitrite oxidizing bacteria (NOB) in the nitrogen cycle. Furthermore, hydrogenotrophic denitrification has also proven its potential as a low-cost, effective method of denitrification with low sludge production. The aim of this study was to utilize the nitrite shunt bioprocess in combination with hydrogenotrophic denitrification for nitrogen removal in saline wastewaters. Adjacent nitrifying and hydrogenotrophic denitrifying reactors were maintained over time in saline conditions (4%) to enrich stable microbial consortiums. The nitrifying reactors achieved around 95% nitrite accumulation with peak ammonia oxidation rates of 50±5 mg NH4+-N L-1×d-1 revealing the successful suppression of NOB within the nitrifying reactors. The hydrogenotrophic denitrifying reactors achieved 92% denitrification (i.e. nitrate/nitrite removal), with peak removal of 135±5 mg NO3--N L-1×d-1. Further analysis of the hydrogenotrophic microbial community found the abundant genus’ of Thauera, Rhodobacterecaea and Hydrogenophaga all containing key enzymes required for PHA/PHB production. Highlighting the potential of obtaining added value products from the wasted sludge. It is envisioned that using the enriched microbial communities obtained in this study an efficient nitrogen removal treatment system can be designed to treat nitrogen containing pollutants in a sustainable manner. This system can be implemented in common industries that produce saline wastewaters such as the dairy, seafood and tannery industries.

Biological nitrogen removal through nitrite shunt and hydrogenotrophic denitrification in saline wastewaters

Macromolecular Chemistry: The Second Century

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ACS Spring 2020 National Meeting & Expo

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.