Investigation of Nitrification and Denitrification in the Sediment of Wastewater Stabilization Ponds

Abstract

Kinetic studies of nitrification and denitrification were carried out on reconstituted cores of sediments taken from wastewater stabilization ponds. This study aims to quantify the nitrification and denitrification in the sediment and to offer kinetic models to describe the processes. Sediment cores were collected, and laboratory studies were performed. The result showed that nitrification and denitrification processes are absent in the water column of stabilization ponds of the Bertrix (Belgium) wastewater treatment plant. On the contrary, nitrification and denitrification rates measured on 18 cores of sediment are, respectively, in the range of 0.12-1.56 g N-NH 4 + /m 2 day and 0.1-1.2 g N/m 2 day. In order to describe nitrification and denitrification processes, two kinetic models were developed using the Monod standard equation.

Modeling Nitrogen Dynamics in a Waste Stabilization Pond System Using Flexible Modeling Environment with MCMC

“…However, nitrite is not modeled in this study due to very low concentrations in the influent (less than 0.1 mg/L). Nitrification and denitrification within aquatic systems can occur in sediments, and have been studied extensively [ 52 , 53 ]. In treatment ponds and wetlands, however, sediments play a negligible role in the system’s nitrification and denitrification processes [ 11 ].…”

Upgrading and evaluation of a simple pond system for small communities with simple interventions to reduce land requirements and increase performance

“…Accumulated sludge in the first pond and its role on the removal of nitrogen/ammonia Sludge accumulated in ponds may have a significant role on nitrogen removal due to vertically stratified oxygen concentrations in the sludge layers (Keefala et al 2011). These layers are propitious for nitrogen cycle bacterial development because nitrification is an aerobic process and occurs in the presence of oxygen, while denitrification happens in an anoxic environment.…”

“…However, there is a symbiotic relationship between algae and nitrifying bacteria in function of liquid oxygenation and CO 2 production, respectively. As these ponds present daily mixing cycles, oxygen is taken to the bottom, allowing for aeration of the liquid-sludge interface layer (Keefala et al 2011). This feature promotes, in addition to oxygenation, nutrient input and an increase in temperature, which are important factors for bacterial activity favouring nitrogen removal.…”