1
|
Sun L, Ayele Shewa W, Bossy K, Dagnew M. Partial denitrification in rope-type biofilm reactors: Performance, kinetics, and microflora using internal vs. external carbon sources. BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY 2024; 404:130890. [PMID: 38788803 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2024.130890] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2024] [Revised: 05/20/2024] [Accepted: 05/21/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024]
Abstract
Stable nitrite accumulation through partial denitrification (PDN) represents an efficient pathway to support the anammox process, but limited studies explored the internal wastewater carbon sources and biofilm processes. This study assessed the viability of the PDN process, biofilm community evolution, and functional enzyme formation in rope-type biofilm media reactors using primary effluent (PE) and anaerobically pretreated wastewater carbon sources for the first time. Comparison was made with external carbon (acetate) under varied pH and biofilm thicknesses, maintaining a favourable sCOD: NO3-N ratio of 3. The wastewater's internal carbon resulted in thinner biofilms; nevertheless, modest nitrite accumulation (0.24 g/m2/d) occurred only at elevated pH. The highest nitrite accumulation (0.79 g/m2/d) was exhibited in the biofilm thickness-controlled acetate-fed reactor, featuring porous biofilms dominated by denitrifier Thauera (10.24 %) and imbalance between Nar, Nap, and Nir reductases. Using internal wastewater carbon sources offers a sustainable avenue for adopting the PDN process in full-scale application.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lin Sun
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Western University, 1151 Richmond Street, London, ON N6A 3K7, Canada
| | - Wudneh Ayele Shewa
- Bishop Water Inc., 203-16 Edward Street South, Arnprior, ON K7S 3W4, Canada
| | - Kevin Bossy
- Bishop Water Inc., 203-16 Edward Street South, Arnprior, ON K7S 3W4, Canada
| | - Martha Dagnew
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Western University, 1151 Richmond Street, London, ON N6A 3K7, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Zhu X, Li P, Ju F. Microbiome dynamics and products profiles of biowaste fermentation under different organic loads and additives. Eng Life Sci 2024; 24:2300216. [PMID: 38708413 PMCID: PMC11065332 DOI: 10.1002/elsc.202300216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2023] [Revised: 08/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/05/2023] [Indexed: 05/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Biowaste fermentation is a promising technology for low-carbon print bioenergy and biochemical production. Although it is believed that the microbiome determines both the fermentation efficiency and the product profiles of biowastes, the explicit mechanisms of how microbial activity controls fermentation processes remained to be unexplored. The current study investigated the microbiome dynamics and fermentation product profiles of biowaste fermentation under different organic loads (5, 20, and 40 g-VS/L) and with additives that potentially modulate the fermentation process via methanogenesis inhibition (2-bromoethanesulfonate) or electron transfer promotion (i.e., reduced iron, magnetite iron, and activated carbon). The overall fermentation products yields were 440, 373 and 208 CH4-eq/g-VS for low-, medium- and high-load fermentation. For low- and medium-load fermentation, volatile fatty acids (VFAs) were first accumulated and were gradually converted to methane. For high-load fermentation, VFAs were the main fermentation products during the entire fermentation period, accounting for 62% of all products. 16S rRNA-based analyses showed that both 2-bromoethanesulfonate addition and increase of organic loads inhibited the activity of methanogens and promoted the activity of distinct VFA-producing bacterial microbiomes. Moreover, the addition of activated carbon promoted the activity of H2-producing Bacteroides, homoacetogenic Eubacteriaceae and methanogenic Methanosarcinaceae, whose activity dynamics during the fermentation led to changes in acetate and methane production. The current results unveiled mechanisms of microbiome activity dynamics shaping the biowaste fermentation product profiles and provided the fundamental basis for the development of microbiome-guided engineering approaches to modulate biowaste fermentation toward high-value product recovery.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xinyu Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Coastal Environment and Resources of Zhejiang ProvinceSchool of EngineeringWestlake UniversityHangzhouZhejiang ProvinceChina
- Environmental Microbiome and Biotechnology Laboratory, Center of Synthetic Biology and Integrated BioengineeringWestlake UniversityHangzhouZhejiang ProvinceChina
- Institute of Advanced TechnologyWestlake Institute for Advanced StudyHangzhouZhejiang ProvinceChina
- Westlake Laboratory of Life Sciences and BiomedicineHangzhouChina
| | - Ping Li
- Key Laboratory of Coastal Environment and Resources of Zhejiang ProvinceSchool of EngineeringWestlake UniversityHangzhouZhejiang ProvinceChina
- Environmental Microbiome and Biotechnology Laboratory, Center of Synthetic Biology and Integrated BioengineeringWestlake UniversityHangzhouZhejiang ProvinceChina
- Institute of Advanced TechnologyWestlake Institute for Advanced StudyHangzhouZhejiang ProvinceChina
| | - Feng Ju
- Key Laboratory of Coastal Environment and Resources of Zhejiang ProvinceSchool of EngineeringWestlake UniversityHangzhouZhejiang ProvinceChina
- Environmental Microbiome and Biotechnology Laboratory, Center of Synthetic Biology and Integrated BioengineeringWestlake UniversityHangzhouZhejiang ProvinceChina
- Institute of Advanced TechnologyWestlake Institute for Advanced StudyHangzhouZhejiang ProvinceChina
- Westlake Laboratory of Life Sciences and BiomedicineHangzhouChina
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Li G, Yu Y, Li X, Jia H, Ma X, Opoku PA. Research progress of anaerobic ammonium oxidation (Anammox) process based on integrated fixed-film activated sludge (IFAS). ENVIRONMENTAL MICROBIOLOGY REPORTS 2024; 16:e13235. [PMID: 38444262 PMCID: PMC10915381 DOI: 10.1111/1758-2229.13235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024]
Abstract
The integrated fixed-film activated sludge (IFAS) process is considered one of the cutting-edge solutions to the traditional wastewater treatment challenges, allowing suspended sludge and attached biofilm to grow in the same system. In addition, the coupling of IFAS with anaerobic ammonium oxidation (Anammox) can further improve the efficiency of biological denitrification. This paper summarises the research progress of IFAS coupled with the anammox process, including partial nitrification anammox, simultaneous partial nitrification anammox and denitrification, and partial denitrification anammox technologies, and describes the factors that limit the development of related processes. The effects of dissolved oxygen, influent carbon source, sludge retention time, temperature, microbial community, and nitrite-oxidising bacteria inhibition methods on the anammox of IFAS are presented. At the same time, this paper gives an outlook on future research focus and engineering practice direction of the process.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Guang Li
- Key Laboratory of Songliao Aquatic Environment, Ministry of EducationJilin Jianzhu UniversityChangchunChina
| | - Yunyong Yu
- Key Laboratory of Songliao Aquatic Environment, Ministry of EducationJilin Jianzhu UniversityChangchunChina
| | - Xingyu Li
- Key Laboratory of Songliao Aquatic Environment, Ministry of EducationJilin Jianzhu UniversityChangchunChina
| | - Hongsheng Jia
- Key Laboratory of Songliao Aquatic Environment, Ministry of EducationJilin Jianzhu UniversityChangchunChina
| | - Xiaoning Ma
- Key Laboratory of Songliao Aquatic Environment, Ministry of EducationJilin Jianzhu UniversityChangchunChina
| | | |
Collapse
|
4
|
Chen X, Jiang L, Aghilinasrollahabadi K, Proano CA, Meisler S, Anderson MO, Xue J, Li G. Impacts of crude glycerol on anaerobic ammonium oxidation (Anammox) process in wastewater treatment. BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY 2024; 394:130271. [PMID: 38158091 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2023.130271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2023] [Revised: 12/26/2023] [Accepted: 12/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
This work investigated the impact of a waste-derived carbon source, crude glycerol (CG), on Anammox. Batch bioassays were conducted to identify inhibitory component(s) in CG, and the relationship between Anammox activity and the concentration of CG, pure glycerol, and methanol were assessed. The results showed that the half-maximal inhibitory concentration of CG and methanol are 434.5 ± 51.8 and 143.0 ± 19.6 mg chemical oxygen demand (COD) L-1, respectively, while pure glycerol at 0-2283 mg COD L-1 had no significant adverse effect on Anammox. The results suggested methanol is the major inhibitor in CG via a non-competitive inhibition mechanism. COD/total inorganic nitrogen ratio of > 1.3 was observed to cause a significant Anammox inhibition (>20 %), especially at low substrate level. These results are valuable for evaluating the feasibility of using CG for nitrogen removal in water resource recovery facilities, promoting sustainable development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaojue Chen
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Maryland, 4298 Campus Dr., College Park, MD 20742, USA
| | - Liu Jiang
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Maryland, 4298 Campus Dr., College Park, MD 20742, USA
| | | | - Camila A Proano
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Maryland, 4298 Campus Dr., College Park, MD 20742, USA
| | - Seth Meisler
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Maryland, 4298 Campus Dr., College Park, MD 20742, USA
| | - Marya O Anderson
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Maryland, 4298 Campus Dr., College Park, MD 20742, USA
| | - Jinkai Xue
- Cold-Region Water Resource Recovery Laboratory (CRWRRL), Environmental Systems Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science, University of Regina, 3737 Wascana Parkway, Regina, SK S4S 0A2, Canada
| | - Guangbin Li
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Maryland, 4298 Campus Dr., College Park, MD 20742, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Huang J, Wang C, Zhang S, Han X, Feng R, Li Y, Huang X, Wang J. Optimizing nitrogenous organic wastewater treatment through integration of organic capture, anaerobic digestion, and anammox technologies: sustainability and challenges. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023:10.1007/s11356-023-27410-6. [PMID: 37261686 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-27410-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2022] [Accepted: 04/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
With China's recent commitment to reducing carbon emissions and achieving carbon neutrality, anaerobic digestion and anaerobic ammonium oxidation (anammox) have emerged as promising technologies for treating nitrogenous organic wastewater. Anaerobic digestion can convert organic matter into volatile fatty acids (VFAs), methane, and other chemicals, while anammox can efficiently remove nitrogen with minimal energy consumption. This study evaluates the principles and characteristics of enhanced chemical flocculation and bioflocculation, as well as membrane separation, for capturing organic matter. Additionally, the paper evaluates the production of acids and methane from anaerobic digestion, exploring the influence of various factors and the need for control strategies. The features, challenges, and concerns of partial nitrification-anammox (PN/A) and partial denitrification-anammox (PD/A) are also outlined. Finally, an integrated system that combined organic capture, anaerobic digestion, and anammox is proposed as a sustainable and effective solution for treating nitrogenous organic wastewater and recovering energy and resources.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jianming Huang
- School of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, China University of Mining and Technology (Beijing), Ding 11#, Xueyuan Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100083, People's Republic of China
| | - Chunrong Wang
- School of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, China University of Mining and Technology (Beijing), Ding 11#, Xueyuan Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100083, People's Republic of China.
| | - Shujun Zhang
- Beijing Drainage Group Co. Ltd (BDG), Beijing, 100022, China
| | - Xiaoyu Han
- Beijing Drainage Group Co. Ltd (BDG), Beijing, 100022, China
| | - Rongfei Feng
- School of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, China University of Mining and Technology (Beijing), Ding 11#, Xueyuan Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100083, People's Republic of China
| | - Yang Li
- School of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, China University of Mining and Technology (Beijing), Ding 11#, Xueyuan Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100083, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaoyan Huang
- School of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, China University of Mining and Technology (Beijing), Ding 11#, Xueyuan Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100083, People's Republic of China
| | - Jianbing Wang
- School of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, China University of Mining and Technology (Beijing), Ding 11#, Xueyuan Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100083, People's Republic of China
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
AlSayed A, Soliman M, ElDyasti A. Mechanistic assessment reveals the significance of HRT and MLSS concentration in balancing carbon diversion and removal in the A-stage process. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2023; 334:117527. [PMID: 36801798 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2023.117527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2022] [Revised: 02/05/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Nowadays, the shift toward energy and resource-efficient wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) has become a necessity rather than a choice. For this purpose, there has been a restored interest in replacing the typical energy and resource-extensive activated sludge process with the two-stage Adsorption/bio-oxidation (A/B) configuration. In the A/B configuration, the role of the A-stage process is to maximize organics diversion to the solids stream and control the following B-stage's influent to allow for the attainment of tangible energy savings. Operating at very short retention times and high loading rates, the influence of the operational conditions on the A-stage process become more tangible than typical activated sludge. Nonetheless, there is very limited understanding of the influence of operational parameters on the A-stage process. Moreover, no studies in the literature have explored the influence of any operational/design parameters on the Alternating Activated Adsorption (AAA) technology which is a novel A-stage variant. Hence, this article mechanistically investigates the independent effect of different operational parameters on the AAA technology. It was inferred that solids retention time (SRT) shall remain below 1 day to allow for energy savings up to 45% and redirecting up to 46% of the influent's COD to the recovery streams. In the meantime, the hydraulic retention time (HRT) can be increased up to 4 h to remove up to 75% of the influent's COD with only 19% decline of the system's COD redirection ability. Moreover, it was observed that the high biomass concentration (above 3000 mg/L) amplified the effect of the sludge poor settleability either due to pin floc settling or high SVI30 which resulted in COD removal below 60%. Meanwhile, the concentration of the extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) was not found to be influenced or to influence process performance. The findings of this study can be employed to formulate an integrative operational approach in which different operational parameters are incorporated to better control the A-stage process and achieve complex objectives.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed AlSayed
- Department of Civil Engineering, Lassonde School of Engineering, York University, ON, M3J1P3, Canada
| | - Moomen Soliman
- Department of Civil Engineering, Lassonde School of Engineering, York University, ON, M3J1P3, Canada
| | - Ahmed ElDyasti
- Department of Civil Engineering, Lassonde School of Engineering, York University, ON, M3J1P3, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Al-Hazmi HE, Maktabifard M, Grubba D, Majtacz J, Hassan GK, Lu X, Piechota G, Mannina G, Bott CB, Mąkinia J. An Advanced Synergy of Partial Denitrification-Anammox for Optimizing Nitrogen Removal from Wastewater: A Review. BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY 2023; 381:129168. [PMID: 37182680 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2023.129168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2023] [Revised: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
Anammox is a widely adopted process for energy-efficient removal of nitrogen from wastewater, but challenges with NOB suppression and NO3- accumulation have led to a deeper investigation of this process. To address these issues, the synergy of partial denitrification and anammox (PD-anammox) has emerged as a promising solution for sustainable nitrogen removal in wastewater. This paper presents a comprehensive review of recent developments in the PD-anammox system, including stable performance outcomes, operational parameters, and mathematical models. The review categorizes start-up and recovery strategies for PD-anammox and examines its contributions to sustainable development goals, such as reducing N2O emissions and saving energy. Furthermore, it suggests future trends and perspectives for improving the efficiency and integration of PD-anammox into full-scale wastewater treatment system. Overall, this review provides valuable insights into optimizing PD-anammox in wastewater treatment, highlighting the potential of simultaneous processes and the importance of improving efficiency and integration into full-scale systems.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hussein E Al-Hazmi
- Department of Sanitary Engineering, Faculty of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Gdańsk University of Technology, ul. Narutowicza 11/12, 80-233 Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Mojtaba Maktabifard
- Department of Sanitary Engineering, Faculty of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Gdańsk University of Technology, ul. Narutowicza 11/12, 80-233 Gdańsk, Poland; Faculty of Environmental and Energy Engineering, Poznań University of Technology, Berdychowo 4, 60-965 Poznań, Poland
| | - Dominika Grubba
- Department of Sanitary Engineering, Faculty of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Gdańsk University of Technology, ul. Narutowicza 11/12, 80-233 Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Joanna Majtacz
- Department of Sanitary Engineering, Faculty of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Gdańsk University of Technology, ul. Narutowicza 11/12, 80-233 Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Gamal K Hassan
- Water Pollution Research Department, National Research Centre, 33 Bohouth St, Giza, Dokki P.O. Box 12622, Egypt
| | - Xi Lu
- Three Gorges Smart Water Technology Co., LTD, 65 LinXin Road, ChangNing District, 200335 Shanghai, China
| | - Grzegorz Piechota
- GPCHEM, Laboratory of Biogas Research and Analysis, ul. Legionów 40a/3, 87-100 Toruń, Poland.
| | - Giorgio Mannina
- Engineering Department, Palermo University, Ed. 8 Viale delle Scienze, 90128 Palermo, Italy
| | - Charles B Bott
- Hampton Roads Sanitation District, 1436 Air Rail Ave., Virginia Beach, VA 23455, USA
| | - Jacek Mąkinia
- Department of Sanitary Engineering, Faculty of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Gdańsk University of Technology, ul. Narutowicza 11/12, 80-233 Gdańsk, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Kang D, Zhao X, Wang N, Suo Y, Yuan J, Peng Y. Redirecting carbon to recover VFA to facilitate biological short-cut nitrogen removal in wastewater treatment: A critical review. WATER RESEARCH 2023; 238:120015. [PMID: 37146394 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2023.120015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2022] [Revised: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 04/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
Wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) are facing a great challenge to transition from energy-intensive to carbon-neutral and energy-efficient systems. Biological nutrient removal (BNR) can be severely impacted by carbon limitation, particularly for wastewater with a low carbon-to-nitrogen (C/N) ratio, which can significantly increase the operational costs. Waste activated sludge (WAS) is a valuable byproduct of WWTPs, as it contains high levels of organic matter that can be utilized to improve BNR management by recovering and reusing the fermentative volatile fatty acids (VFAs). This review provides a comprehensive examination of the recovery and reuse of VFAs in wastewater management, with a particular focus on advancing the preferable biological short-cut nitrogen removal process for carbon-insufficient municipal wastewaters. First, the method of carbon redirection for recovering VFAs was reviewed. Carbon could be captured through the two-stage A/B process or via sludge fermentation with different sludge pretreatment and process control strategies to accelerate sludge hydrolysis and inhibit methanogens to enhance VFA production. Second, VFAs can support the metabolism of autotrophic N-cycling microorganisms involved in wastewater treatment, such as AOB, NOB, anammox, and comammox bacteria. However, VFAs can also cause inhibition at high concentrations, leading to the partition of AOB and NOB; and can promote partial denitrification as an efficient carbon source for heterotrophic denitrifiers. Third, the lab- and pilot-scale engineering practices with different configurations (i.e., A2O, SBR, UASB) were summarized that have shown the feasibility of utilizing the fermentate to achieve superior nitrogen removal performance without the need for external carbon addition. Lastly, the future perspectives on leveraging the relationships between mainstream and sidestream, nitrogen and phosphorus, autotrophs and heterotrophs were given for sustainable and efficient BNR management.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Da Kang
- Department of Environmental Engineering, National Engineering Laboratory for Advanced Municipal Wastewater Treatment and Reuse Technology, Beijing University of Technology, China
| | - Xuwei Zhao
- Department of Environmental Engineering, National Engineering Laboratory for Advanced Municipal Wastewater Treatment and Reuse Technology, Beijing University of Technology, China
| | - Nan Wang
- Department of Environmental Engineering, National Engineering Laboratory for Advanced Municipal Wastewater Treatment and Reuse Technology, Beijing University of Technology, China
| | - Yirui Suo
- Department of Environmental Engineering, National Engineering Laboratory for Advanced Municipal Wastewater Treatment and Reuse Technology, Beijing University of Technology, China
| | - Jiawei Yuan
- Department of Environmental Engineering, National Engineering Laboratory for Advanced Municipal Wastewater Treatment and Reuse Technology, Beijing University of Technology, China
| | - Yongzhen Peng
- Department of Environmental Engineering, National Engineering Laboratory for Advanced Municipal Wastewater Treatment and Reuse Technology, Beijing University of Technology, China.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Cheenakula D, Griebel K, Montag D, Grömping M. Concept development of a mainstream deammonification and comparison with conventional process in terms of energy, performance and economical construction perspectives. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1155235. [PMID: 37113237 PMCID: PMC10126410 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1155235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 03/13/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Deammonification for nitrogen removal in municipal wastewater in temperate and cold climate zones is currently limited to the side stream of municipal wastewater treatment plants (MWWTP). This study developed a conceptual model of a mainstream deammonification plant, designed for 30,000 P.E., considering possible solutions corresponding to the challenging mainstream conditions in Germany. In addition, the energy-saving potential, nitrogen elimination performance and construction-related costs of mainstream deammonification were compared to a conventional plant model, having a single-stage activated sludge process with upstream denitrification. The results revealed that an additional treatment step by combining chemical precipitation and ultra-fine screening is advantageous prior the mainstream deammonification. Hereby chemical oxygen demand (COD) can be reduced by 80% so that the COD:N ratio can be reduced from 12 to 2.5. Laboratory experiments testing mainstream conditions of temperature (8-20°C), pH (6-9) and COD:N ratio (1-6) showed an achievable volumetric nitrogen removal rate (VNRR) of at least 50 gN/(m3∙d) for various deammonifying sludges from side stream deammonification systems in the state of North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, where m3 denotes reactor volume. Assuming a retained Norganic content of 0.0035 kgNorg./(P.E.∙d) from the daily loads of N at carbon removal stage and a VNRR of 50 gN/(m3∙d) under mainstream conditions, a resident-specific reactor volume of 0.115 m3/(P.E.) is required for mainstream deammonification. This is in the same order of magnitude as the conventional activated sludge process, i.e., 0.173 m3/(P.E.) for an MWWTP of size class of 4. The conventional plant model yielded a total specific electricity demand of 35 kWh/(P.E.∙a) for the operation of the whole MWWTP and an energy recovery potential of 15.8 kWh/(P.E.∙a) through anaerobic digestion. In contrast, the developed mainstream deammonification model plant would require only a 21.5 kWh/(P.E.∙a) energy demand and result in 24 kWh/(P.E.∙a) energy recovery potential, enabling the mainstream deammonification model plant to be self-sufficient. The retrofitting costs for the implementation of mainstream deammonification in existing conventional MWWTPs are nearly negligible as the existing units like activated sludge reactors, aerators and monitoring technology are reusable. However, the mainstream deammonification must meet the performance requirement of VNRR of about 50 gN/(m3∙d) in this case.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dheeraja Cheenakula
- Institute NOWUM-Energy, FH Aachen, University of Applied Sciences, Jülich, Germany
- *Correspondence: Dheeraja Cheenakula,
| | - Kai Griebel
- Institute of Environmental Engineering, RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Germany
| | - David Montag
- Institute of Environmental Engineering, RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Germany
| | - Markus Grömping
- Institute NOWUM-Energy, FH Aachen, University of Applied Sciences, Jülich, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Kosgey K, Zungu PV, Bux F, Kumari S. Biological nitrogen removal from low carbon wastewater. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:968812. [PMID: 36466689 PMCID: PMC9709150 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.968812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2022] [Accepted: 10/28/2022] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Nitrogen has traditionally been removed from wastewater by nitrification and denitrification processes, in which organic carbon has been used as an electron donor during denitrification. However, some wastewaters contain low concentrations of organic carbon, which may require external organic carbon supply, increasing treatment costs. As a result, processes such as partial nitrification/anammox (anaerobic ammonium oxidation) (PN/A), autotrophic denitrification, nitritation-denitritation and bioelectrochemical processes have been studied as possible alternatives, and are thus evaluated in this study based on process kinetics, applicability at large-scale and process configuration. Oxygen demand for nitritation-denitritation and PN/A is 25% and 60% lower than for nitrification/denitrification, respectively. In addition, PN/A process does not require organic carbon supply, while its supply for nitritation-denitritation is 40% less than for nitrification/denitrification. Both PN/A and nitritation-denitritation produce less sludge compared to nitrification/denitrification, which saves on sludge handling costs. Similarly, autotrophic denitrification generates less sludge compared to heterotrophic denitrification and could save on sludge handling costs. However, autotrophic denitrification driven by metallic ions, elemental sulfur (S) and its compounds could generate harmful chemicals. On the other hand, hydrogenotrophic denitrification can remove nitrogen completely without generation of harmful chemicals, but requires specialized equipment for generation and handling of hydrogen gas (H2), which complicates process configuration. Bioelectrochemical processes are limited by low kinetics and complicated process configuration. In sum, anammox-mediated processes represent the best alternative to nitrification/denitrification for nitrogen removal in low- and high-strength wastewaters.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kiprotich Kosgey
- Institute for Water and Wastewater Technology, Durban University of Technology, Durban, South Africa
| | | | | | - Sheena Kumari
- Institute for Water and Wastewater Technology, Durban University of Technology, Durban, South Africa
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Liu J, Huang J, Li W, Shi Z, Lin Y, Zhou R, Meng J, Tang J, Hou P. Coupled process of in-situ sludge fermentation and riboflavin-mediated nitrogen removal for low carbon wastewater treatment. BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY 2022; 363:127928. [PMID: 36096329 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2022.127928] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2022] [Revised: 09/03/2022] [Accepted: 09/06/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Volatile fatty acid recovery from waste activated sludge (WAS) was highly suggested to supplement carbon source for nitrogen removal. However, it was not easy to separate them from the metabolites under the ex-situ fermentation. In this study, in-situ WAS fermentation combined in the denitrification system was established to treat low carbon wastewater (COD/TN = 4), and riboflavin was employed as a redox mediator. This coupled process could simultaneously enhance the WAS fermentation and nitrogen removal, and riboflavin could significantly enrich the fermentative bacteria (Firmicutes phylum), denitrifying bacteria (Denitratisoma genus) and related functional genes (narGHJI, napABC, nirKS, nosZ, norBC), generating more available carbon sources for efficient nitrogen removal. This resulted in the effluent TN (<15 mg/L) satisfying the required discharge standard in China. This study provided new insights into the efficient nitrogen removal from low carbon wastewater, realizing the carbon-neutral operation of new concept wastewater treatment plant in China.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jingya Liu
- College of Materials and Environmental Engineering, Hangzhou Dianzi University, Hangzhou 310018, PR China
| | - Jingang Huang
- College of Materials and Environmental Engineering, Hangzhou Dianzi University, Hangzhou 310018, PR China; The Belt and Road Information Research Institute, Hangzhou Dianzi University, Hangzhou 310018, PR China.
| | - Weishuai Li
- College of Materials and Environmental Engineering, Hangzhou Dianzi University, Hangzhou 310018, PR China
| | - Zhuoer Shi
- College of Materials and Environmental Engineering, Hangzhou Dianzi University, Hangzhou 310018, PR China
| | - Yuanyuan Lin
- Zhejiang Province Environmental Engineering Co. Ltd, Hangzhou 310012, PR China
| | - Rongbing Zhou
- College of Materials and Environmental Engineering, Hangzhou Dianzi University, Hangzhou 310018, PR China
| | - Jianfang Meng
- M-U-T Maschinen-Umwelttechnik-Transportanlagen GmbH, Stockerau 2000, Austria
| | - Junhong Tang
- College of Materials and Environmental Engineering, Hangzhou Dianzi University, Hangzhou 310018, PR China
| | - Pingzhi Hou
- The Belt and Road Information Research Institute, Hangzhou Dianzi University, Hangzhou 310018, PR China
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Fofana R, Parsons M, Long C, Chandran K, Jones K, Klaus S, Trovato B, Wilson C, De Clippeleir H, Bott C. Full-scale transition from denitrification to partial denitrification-anammox (PdNA) in deep-bed filters: Operational strategies for and benefits of PdNA implementation. WATER ENVIRONMENT RESEARCH : A RESEARCH PUBLICATION OF THE WATER ENVIRONMENT FEDERATION 2022; 94:e10727. [PMID: 35616350 DOI: 10.1002/wer.10727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2022] [Revised: 04/22/2022] [Accepted: 05/05/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
This study shows for the first time more than 2 years of operation of a mainstream anammox application at full-scale under temperate climate. This implementation of partial denitrification-anammox (PdNA) in deep bed filters at the HRSD York River treatment plant was demonstrated to achieve the benefits of shortcut nitrogen removal without nitrite oxidizing bacteria (NOB) out-selection. The transition from denitrification to PdNA filters required bleeding ammonium to the filters using an optimized ammonium versus NOx (AvN) control in the upstream aeration tanks and maintaining a nitrate residual in the filter effluent through feedforward/feedback control. The latter actions led to savings of 85% in methanol, 100% in alkalinity, and 35% in capacity enhancement. Up to 6 mg NH4 + -N/L with an average of 2.2 ± 0.98 mg NH4 + -N/L was removed through the anammox pathway, which accounted for about 15% of the overall plant nitrogen removal. Anammox enrichment was confirmed by activity testing and molecular analysis. The large excess of AnAOB capacity present in the filters (5-10 times more than normal operation) resulted in stable and reliable operation through winter conditions and showed potential for further intensification. PRACTITIONER POINTS: For the first time, long-term mainstream anammox was established full-scale through PdNA implementation in deep-bed filters. PdNA implementation required upstream aeration control optimization to provide a blend of ammonium and nitrate to the filters. Efficient anammox enrichment and retention resulted in reliable PdNA performance under different seasonal and influent conditions. PdNA implementation resulted in significant methanol and alkalinity savings and upstream capacity enhancement as ammonia removal depended less on aerobic nitrification. In the event of NOB out-selection and presence of nitrite, carbon savings in PdNA polishing filters can be enhanced via partial nitritation-anammox.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rahil Fofana
- DC Water and Sewer Authority, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
- Howard University, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Michael Parsons
- Hampton Roads Sanitation District, Virginia Beach, Virginia, USA
| | | | | | - Kimberly Jones
- Howard University, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Stephanie Klaus
- Hampton Roads Sanitation District, Virginia Beach, Virginia, USA
| | - Bob Trovato
- Hampton Roads Sanitation District, Virginia Beach, Virginia, USA
| | - Chris Wilson
- Hampton Roads Sanitation District, Virginia Beach, Virginia, USA
| | | | - Charles Bott
- Hampton Roads Sanitation District, Virginia Beach, Virginia, USA
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Fofana R, Huynh H, Jones K, Delgado Vela J, Long C, Chandran K, Bott C, Akyon B, Liu W, deBarbadillo C, De Clippeleir H. Mainstream partial denitrification-anammox in sand and expanded clay deep-bed polishing filters under practical loading rates and backwashing conditions. WATER ENVIRONMENT RESEARCH : A RESEARCH PUBLICATION OF THE WATER ENVIRONMENT FEDERATION 2022; 94:e10728. [PMID: 35621228 DOI: 10.1002/wer.10728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2022] [Revised: 04/24/2022] [Accepted: 05/05/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
This study focused on evaluating the feasibility of expanded clay and sand as media types for mainstream partial denitrification-anammox (PdNA) in deep-bed single-media polishing filters under nitrogen and solids loading rates as well as backwash conditions similar to conventional denitrification filters. The surface roughness and iron content of the expanded clay were hypothesized to allow for enhanced anammox retention, nitrogen removal rates, and runtimes. However, under the tested loading rates and backwash conditions, no clear benefit of expanded clay was observed compared with conventional sand. This study showed the feasibility of PdNA in filters with both sand and expanded clay with PdN efficiencies of 76% and 77%, PdNA rates of 840 and 843 g N/m3 /d and TIN removal rates of 960 and 964 g N/m3 /d, respectively. Glycerol demands were 1.5-1.6 g COD added per g TIN removed , thus indicating potential carbon savings up to 75% compared with conventional denitrification. Overall, this study showed for the first time PdNA filters performing at nitrogen removal rates double that of previous PdNA studies under realistic conditions while providing insights into the media choice and backwashing conditions. Future research on expanded clay backwash conditions is needed to provide its full potential in PdNA filters. PRACTITIONER POINTS: Hydraulic and TSS loading rates similar to conventional denitrification can be applied in PdNA filters. Conventional sand can be used when retrofitting conventional denitrification filters into PdNA filters. Carbon savings up to 75% can be achieved with glycerol when retrofitting conventional filters into PdNA filters.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rahil Fofana
- DC Water and Sewer Authority, Washington, DC, USA
- Howard University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Huu Huynh
- DC Water and Sewer Authority, Washington, DC, USA
| | | | | | | | | | - Charles Bott
- Hampton Road Sanitation District, Virginia Beach, Virginia, USA
| | | | - Wenjun Liu
- Xylem Inc, Zelienople, Pennsylvania, USA
| | | | | |
Collapse
|