Biological Denitrification

Biological nitriIication satisIies the nitrogenous oxygen demand by converting NH3 to

NO3. In some applications, such as discharge into enclosed bodies oI water or recycle to
water supplies, nitriIication may not be suIIicient. When nitrogen removal is required,
one oI the available methods is to Iollow biological nitriIication with biological
denitriIication.
DenitriIication is accomplished under anaerobic or near anaerobic conditions by bacteria
commonly Iound in wastewater. Nitrates are removed by two mechanisms: (1)
Conversion oI NO
3
to N
2
gas by bacterial metabolism and (2) conversion oI NO
3
to
nitrogen contained in cell mass which may be removed by settling.
In order Ior denitriIication to occur, a carbon source must be available. Most commonly,
methanol is used. The methanol must be added in suIIicient quantity to provide Ior cell
growth and to consume any dissolved oxygen which may be carried into the
denitriIication reactor.
Usually 3 to 4 pounds oI methanol per pound oI nitrate are required. CareIul control oI
methanol Ieed is necessary to prevent waste oI chemicals. In addition, iI excess methanol
is Ied to the system, unused methanol will be carried out in the eIIluent causing excessive
BOD.
DenitriIication may be carried out in either a mixed slurry reactor or in Iixed bed
reactors. DenitriIication Iilters carry out both denitriIication and Iiltration in the same
unit. Mixed slurry systems consist oI a denitriIication reactor, reaeration basin and
clariIiers. Reaeration prior to clariIication is required to Iree the sludge Irom trapped
bubbles oI nitrogen gas.
DenitriIying bacteria grow very slowly and are extremely sensitive to temperature.
DenitriIication rates have been shown to increase Iive-Iold when the temperature is
increased Irom 10C to 20C. Thus, operating parameters such as sludge age and
retention time must be varied with temperature.
The pH in denitriIication systems must be careIully controlled. The optimum pH is Irom
6.0 to 8.0.
DenitriIication is a very sensitive and diIIicult process to operate. Little Iull scale
operational experience is available. Constant monitoring oI pH, methanol Ieed and
temperature is essential to successIul operation.