Water Science and Technology (Jul 2024)

Implementing a completely autotrophic nitrogen removal over nitrite process using a novel umbrella basalt fiber carrier

  • Shan-Wei Li,
  • Wei Xu,
  • Yu-Jie Xie,
  • Liang Fu,
  • Qi Gao,
  • Xiao-Chun Wang,
  • Yan Li,
  • Zhi-Ren Wu

DOI
https://doi.org/10.2166/wst.2024.188
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 90, no. 1
pp. 270 – 286

Abstract

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The completely autotrophic nitrogen removal over nitrite (CANON) process is significantly hindered by prolonged start-up periods and unstable nitrogen removal efficiency. In this study, a novel umbrella basalt fiber (BF) carrier with good biological affinity and adsorption performance was used to initiate the CANON process. The CANON process was initiated on day 64 in a sequencing batch reactor equipped with umbrella BF carriers. During this period, the influent NH4+-N concentration gradually increased from 100 to 200 mg·L−1, and the dissolved oxygen was controlled below 0.8 mg L−1. Consequently, an average ammonia nitrogen removal efficiency (ARE) and total nitrogen removal efficiency (TNRE) of ∼90 and 80% were achieved, respectively. After 130 days, ARE and TNRE remained stable at 92 and 81.1%, respectively. This indicates a reliable method for achieving rapid start-up and stable operation of the CANON process. Moreover, Candidatus Kuenenia and Candidatus Brocadia were identified as dominant anammox genera on the carrier. Nitrosomonas was the predominant genus among ammonia-oxidizing bacteria. Spatial differences were observed in the microbial population of umbrella BF carriers. This arrangement facilitated autotrophic nitrogen removal in a single reactor. This study indicates that the novel umbrella BF carrier is a highly suitable biocarrier for the CANON process. HIGHLIGHTS The umbrella basalt fiber (BF) carrier CANON reactor achieved rapid start-up and stable operation.; There were spatial distribution differences between AOB and anammox bacteria in the umbrella BF carrier.; Umbrella BF carriers enhance the abundance and diversity of microbial communities.;

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