Effect of nitrite from nitritation on biological phosphorus removal in a sequencing batch reactor treating domestic wastewater

Although nitrite effect on enhanced biological phosphorus removal (EBPR) has been previously studied, very limited research has been undertaken about the effect of nitrite accumulation caused by nitritation on EBPR. This paper focused on nitrite effect from nitritation on EBPR in a sequencing batch reactor treating domestic wastewater. Results showed that nitrite of below 10 mg/L did not inhibit P-uptake and release; whereas EBPR deterioration was observed when nitrite accumulation reached 20 mg/L. Due to P-uptake prior to nitritation, nitrite of 20 mg/L has no effect on aerobic P-uptake. The main reason leading to EBPR deterioration was the competition of carbon source. Batch tests were conducted to investigate nitrite effect on anaerobic P-release. Under sufficient carbon source, nitrite of 30 mg/L had no impact on poly-β-hydroxyalkanoate (PHA) storage; contrarily, under insufficient carbon source, denitrifiers competing for carbon source with phosphorus accumulating organisms resulted in decrease of PHA synthesis and P-release.

► Nitrite accumulation from nitritation impacted EBPR in domestic wastewater.
► 20 mg/L of nitrite accumulation caused deterioration of EBPR.
► Nitritation has no effect on aerobic phosphorus uptake of PAOs.
► Anaerobically, PAOs competed with denitrifiers for insufficient carbon source.
► PHA synthesis and anaerobic phosphate release decreased.