PHA based denitrification: Municipal wastewater vs. acetate

► PHA based denitrification (PBD) was studied with real wastewater versus acetate. ► Focusing on PBD as part of two sludge system assuming chemical removal of residual P. ► Highnitrate removal was observed with municipal wastewater (39-53 mg N/L). ► Entrapped particulate matter contributed to the reducing power for denitrification. ► Low COD/N ratios for denitrification were observed with acetate and wastewater.