Nitrite build-up effect on nitrous oxide emissions in a laboratory-scale anaerobic/aerobic/anoxic/aerobic sequencing batch reactor

Abstract

Biological wastewater treatment processes with biological nitrogen removal are potential sources of nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions. It is important to expand knowledge on the controlling factors associated with N2O production, in order to propose emission mitigation strategies. This study therefore sought to identify the parameters that favor nitrite (NO2-) accumulation and its influence on N2O production and emission in an anaerobic/aerobic/anoxic/aerobic sequencing batch reactor with biological nitrogen removal. Even with controlled dissolved oxygen concentrations and oxidation reduction potential, the first aerobic phase promoted only partial nitrification, resulting in NO2- build-up (ranging from 29 to 57%) and consequent N2O generation. The NO2- was not fully consumed in the subsequent anoxic phase, leading to even greater N2O production through partial denitrification. A direct relationship was observed between NO2- accumulation in these phases and N2O production. In the first aerobic phase, the N2O/NO2- ratio varied between 0.5 to 8.5%, while in the anoxic one values ranged between 8.3 and 22.7%. Higher N2O production was therefore noted during the anoxic phase compared to the first aerobic phase. As a result, the highest N2O fluxes occurred in the second aerobic phase, ranging from 706 to 2416 mg N m-2 h-1, as soon as aeration was triggered. Complete nitrification and denitrification promotion in this system was proven to be the key factor to avoid NO2- build-up and, consequently, N2O emissions.

Removal of 17α-ethinylestradiol and total phosphorus in a sequencing batch reactor under two different sludge retention-time conditions

“…It is noteworthy that partial nitrification occurred in both the SBRs, whereas denitrification may not have been favored. Gomes et al (2021a) indicated that DO control is essential for total nitrification and denitrification and promoting TN removal, and Soliman et al (2016) demonstrated the importance of DO control in achieving partial nitrification. Ammonia nitrogen oxidation and nitrite accumulation were observed in both the SBRs.…”