Long-term operation of a partial nitritation pilot plant treating leachate with extremely high ammonium concentration prior to an anammox process.
The goal of this work was to demonstrate the feasibility of treating leachate with high ammonium concentrations using the SBR technology, as a preparative step for the treatment in an anammox reactor. The cycle was based on a step-feed strategy, alternating anoxic and aerobic conditions. Results of the study verified the viability of this process, treating an influent with concentration up to 5000 mg N-NH(4)(+) L(-1). An effluent with about 1500-2000 mg N-NH(4)(+) L(-1) and 2000-3000 mg N-NO(2)(-) L(-1) was achieved, presenting a nitrite to ammonium molar ratio close to the 1.32 required by the anammox. Furthermore, taking advantage of the biodegradable organic matter, the operational strategy allowed denitrifying about 200 mg N-NO(2)(-) L(-1). The extreme operational conditions during the long-term resulted on the selection of a sole AOB phylotype, identified by molecular techniques as Nitrosomonas sp. IWT514.
Ganigué
Ramon
R
Laboratory of Chemical and Environmental Engineering (LEQUIA), Institute of the Environment, University of Girona, Campus Montilivi s/n, Facultat de Ciències, E-17071 Girona, Catalonia, Spain. ramon@lequia.udg.cat
Gabarró
Jordi
J
Sànchez-Melsió
Alexandre
A
Ruscalleda
Maël
M
López
Helio
H
Vila
Xavier
X
Colprim
Jesús
J
Balaguer
M Dolors
MD
D000693:Anaerobiosis; D019149:Bioreactors; D001709:Biotechnology / Q000379:methods*; D002947:Cities; D006863:Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; D008829:Microbiology; D008956:Models, Chemical; D009573:Nitrites / Q000737:chemistry; D009606:Nitrosomonas / Q000378:metabolism; D010865:Pilot Projects; D000644:Quaternary Ammonium Compounds / Q000737:chemistry*; D013696:Temperature; D014865:Waste Disposal, Fluid / Q000379:methods; D014874:Water Pollutants, Chemical; D018508:Water Purification / Q000379:methods
D009573:Nitrites; D000644:Quaternary Ammonium Compounds; D014874:Water Pollutants, Chemical