Performance analysis and optimization of autotrophic nitrogen removal in different reactor configurations: a modelling study.
The autotrophic nitrogen removal process (partial nitritation combined with the Anammox process) is a new and sustainable nitrogen removal technique for nitrogen-rich streams. A modelling study has been performed to define optimal process conditions (temperature, oxygen supply, pH and biomass retention) and to investigate the influence of chemical oxygen demand, nitrogen loading rate and hydraulic retention time on three alternative reactor configurations: a single oxygen-limited partial nitritation reactor, a single Anammox reactor, and a combination of partial nitritation and Anammox in a single reactor. The model applied was compared to experimental data from the literature and gave good agreement for all three reactor configurations. The simulations revealed that a system with separated partial nitritation and Anammox offered a wider range of optimal process conditions than a one-reactor system. The key factors in the successful operation of partial nitritation were found to be control of aeration, ammonium loading rate and temperature. Heterotrophs remained present in all three reactor systems and it was confirmed that interaction between heterotrophs and Anammox and between heterotrophs and ammonium oxidizers was possible.
Department of Industrial Engineering and Technology, University College West Flanders, Graaf Karel de Goedelaan 5, B-8500 Kortrijk, Belgium.
Pieter
P
Veys
Helge
H
Vandeweyer
Wim
W
Audenaert
Annick
A
Monballiu
Pascal
P
Dejans
Etienne
E
Jooken
Ann
A
Dumoulin
Boudewijn D
BD
Meesschaert
Stijn W H
SW
Van Hulle
D000693:Anaerobiosis; D052818:Autotrophic Processes; D018533:Biomass; D019149:Bioreactors; D003198:Computer Simulation; D006863:Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; D008954:Models, Biological; D009584:Nitrogen / Q000032:analysis / Q000302:isolation & purification / Q000378:metabolism*; D058458:Nitrogen Cycle / Q000502:physiology*; D010100:Oxygen / Q000378:metabolism; D000644:Quaternary Ammonium Compounds / Q000737:chemistry; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012722:Sewage; D049490:Systems Biology / Q000379:methods; D013696:Temperature; D018508:Water Purification / Q000379:methods
D000644:Quaternary Ammonium Compounds; D012722:Sewage; D009584:Nitrogen; D010100:Oxygen