The influence of trace NO2 on the kinetics of ammonia oxidation and the characteristics of nitrogen removal from wastewater

Abstract

Ammonia oxidizing bacteria-enriched sludge was obtained in a sequencing batch reactor with synthetic wastewater. Batch tests of ammonia oxidation were carried out with the sludge, in the presence of only trace NO(2) and in the presence of O(2) and trace NO(2), respectively. The Andrews model is used to describe NO(2)-dependent ammonia oxidation. The maximum ammonia oxidation rate of 139.11 mg N.(g sludge COD h)(-1), occurred in the presence of 21% O(2) and 100 ppm NO(2), which was 3 times higher than the aerobic ammonia oxidation rate without NO(2). The kinetic model of ammonia oxidation in the presence of O(2) and trace NO(2) is developed, and the function of NO(2) apparently enhancing ammonia oxidation is suggested. The maximal nitrogen removel of 34.19% occurred at the 21% O(2) and 100 ppm NO(2) in the mixed gases. Nitrogen removal principally depended on the denitrification activity and NO(2)-dependent ammonia oxidation activity of ammonia-oxidizing bacteria (AOB).