Nitrogen in the effluent of the pulp and paper industry

Abstract

Nitrogen concentrations of effluent before and after treatment plant in two mills have been measured during five days time in a bleached kraft pulp mill and in a newsprint mill. In effluents before treatment the concentration of inorganic nitrogen was low but in the effluent of kraft pulping process, the main part is inorganic nitrogen. In effluent after treatment the concentration of inorganic nitrogen is low. After activated sludge treatment plant the concentration of dissolved organic nitrogen is about 0.6 mg/l and nitrogen in suspended solids determines fluctuation of nitrogen content in treated effluent. There is no need for biological nitrogen removal processes if the addition of nitrogen in the treatment is correct.