Optimization of intermittent, simultaneous dosage of nitrite and hydrochloric acid to control sulfide and methane productions in sewers

Free nitrous acid (FNA) was previously demonstrated to be biocidal to anaerobic sewer biofilms. The intermittent dosing of FNA as a measure for controlling sulfide and methane productions in sewers is investigated. The impact of three key operational parameters namely the dosing concentration, dosing duration and dosing interval on the suppression and subsequent recovery of sulfide and methane production was examined experimentally using lab-scale sewer reactors. FNA as low as 0.26 mg-N/L was able to suppress sulfide production after an exposure of 12 h. In comparison, 0.09 mg-N/L of FNA with 6-h exposure was adequate to restrain methanogenesis effectively. The recovery of sulfide production was well described by an exponential recovery equation. Model-based analysis revealed that 12-h dosage at an FNA concentration of 0.26 mg-N/L every 5 days can reduce the average sulfide production by >80%. Economic analysis showed that intermittent FNA dosage is potentially a cost-effective strategy for sulfide and methane control in sewers.

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► FNA ≥0.26 mg-N/L, with an exposure time ≥12 could suppress sulfide and methane productions in sewers.
► To reduce sulfide production by 80%, a dosing interval of 4.5 days is required.
► FNA dosage of 0.09 mg-N/L and exposure time of 6 h can suppress methane production.
► To reduce methane production by 90%, the dosing interval can be 20 days.
► Intermittent FNA dosing is cost-effective than current industrial practices.