Kinetics with optimization studies of nitrogen and organic elimination from wastewater via heterotrophic biomass conversion process

Abstract

Heterotrophic biomass conversion (HBC) research was carried out for the removal of N-NH3 and organic carbon from synthetic wastewater. Ammonium nitrate and glucose were used as the nitrogen and organic carbon source, respectively. In this study, N-NH3 and organic nutrient concentrations were varied, keeping the biomass concentration invariable. The kinetics followed dual rates, i.e. faster initial rate followed by a slower one. The consumption of N-NH3 and COD followed first-order kinetics. Kinetic model such as Monod was studied. The pH during the HBC process showed an increasing trend which may be due to heterotrophic nitrification (HN). Parameters like N- [GRAPHICS] , N2O, N- [GRAPHICS] , time, and dissolved oxygen were studied. A part of N-NH3 utilized for the emission of N2O may be due to HN. Analyses of variance were carried out for better interpretation of results. Optimization studies were carried out to minimize N2O emission and maximize N-NH3 along with COD removal.