Nitrogen Removal Optimization in a Biofilm Reactor from Groundwater

Abstract

In the present study a lab-scale biofilm reactor was monitored for approximately 6 months to evaluate the use of ratios of carbon to nitrogen (C/N), pH and hydraulic retention time(HRT) levels as monitoring parameters in order to optimize nitrate removal from groundwater. The results indicated it was possible to operate the biofilm system at high denitrification rates and relatively low HRT of 8 hours.