Wood-Based Filter for Nitrate Removal in Septic Systems

Long-term nitrate removal in a denitrification wall

“…A denitrification bed is a lined container filled with organic matter and high concentrations of NO 3 -as a point source is pumped through the bed and subsequently denitrified (Robertson et al, 2005). NO 3 -removal rates of 2 -5 g N m -3 d -1 have been found at sites that received NO 3 --rich groundwater plumes from septic tanks.…”

“…However, the site was N-limited, so this low rate accounted for 87 -98% of the NO 3 -entering the system (Robertson et al, 2005). Beds treating effluent from drainage tiles in Canada achieved NO 3 -removal rates of approximately 5 -30 g N m -3 d -1 , depending on temperature, corresponding to 58% NO 3 -removal (Robertson et al, 2000).…”

Efficiency of Drainage Practices for Improving Water Quality in Lithuania

“…The type of carbon fill is one of the most important considerations for denitrification systems. In general, woody media are the preferred type of fill material due to their longevity, availability, and high practicality in different locations (Robertson et al, 2005;Schipper et al, 2010). However, the efficiency of different types of woody media in the reduction of N in drainage water has not been widely investigated.…”

Technical Note: Hydraulic Property Determination of Denitrifying Bioreactor Fill Media

“…Other investigators have tested pine bark, almond and walnut shells, newspaper, wheat straw, alfalfa straw, cellulose, and sawdust as potential carbon sources (Vogan, 1993;Volokita et al, 1996;Diaz et al, 2003). Overall, the selection of the specific bioreactor fill material should be based upon cost, porosity, C:N ratio, and longevity of the material (Robertson et al, 2005a).…”