Demonstration of nitrogen removal via nitrite in a sequencing batch reactor treating domestic wastewater

Nitrogen removal via nitrite, as opposed to the traditional nitrate, may be beneficial for carbon-limited biological wastewater treatment plants. However, reliable termination of nitrification at nitrite (nitritation) has proved difficult in the treatment of domestic wastewater. In this study, nitritation was attained in a sequencing batch reactor (SBR) with pre-denitrification treating domestic wastewater (total Kjeldahl nitrogen (TKN) concentration of about 43 mgN L−1) by aerobic duration control. The aerobic duration control strategy terminates aeration upon completion of ammonium oxidation with accumulated nitrite still remaining. The SBR was purposefully operated such that the influence of other known selection factors for nitritation was absent. The process proved effective in achieving a steady state whereby over 80% nitritation was sustained. Investigation of the cause of nitritation by a calibrated ammonium and nitrite oxidation model showed aerobic duration control as the key factor leading to nitritation.