Simultaneous nitrification and denitrification in a CEM (cation exchange membrane)-bounded two chamber system

A novel process was developed to induce a simultaneous oxidation of ammonia and denitrification in a single system consisting of two chambers separated by a cation exchange membrane. One was an anoxic chamber and the other was an aerobic chamber. The maximum mass flux via the membrane was calculated as 0.83 mg NH4+-N/m2 s in a batch test when the initial concentration of NH4+ was 700 mg N/L. And it was observed that NO3− and NO2− moved via the membrane in a reverse direction when NH4+ was transported. When the system was operated in a continuous mode by feeding a wastewater containing glucose and NH4+, it was observed that soluble chemical oxygen demand and NH4+ were simultaneously removed showing 99% and 71 ∼ 86% of efficiency, respectively. Denitrification occurred in the anoxic chamber and nitrification was carried out in the aerobic chamber.