The Engineering Challenge
In industrial and municipal treatment, the nitrogen cycle is one of the most difficult processes to balance. Unlike simple BOD removal, ammonia (NH3) removal requires a very precise biological environment. This is especially true in food and beverage wastewater, where TKN (Total Kjeldahl Nitrogen) levels can be extremely high due to the presence of proteins and organic nitrogen.
Step 1: Hydrolysis & Ammonification
Before nitrogen can be removed, organic nitrogen (proteins, urea) must be broken down into ammonia. In food processing plants, this can happen very rapidly, creating large ammonia spikes that overwhelm the next stage of treatment.
Step 2: Nitrification (The Bottleneck)
This is where many systems fail. Nitrosomonas and Nitrobacter are required to convert ammonia into nitrate.
We provide the specific strains needed to prevent “nitrite lock” (incomplete oxidation). Our bacteria are selected for their ability to thrive in the complex “soup” of industrial wastewater, where inhibitory factors are common.
Operational Parameters for Success
For engineers designing or operating these systems, balancing the following factors is critical:
- Alkalinity: Maintain >7.1 mg CaCO3 per mg NH3 oxidized
- Dissolved Oxygen: Maintain >2.0 mg/L in the aerobic zone
- SRT (Sludge Retention Time): Nitrifiers need time to establish. If SRT is too short, they are washed out. Bioaugmentation can help compensate for short SRTs.
Quick Answers
What is the role of microorganisms in nitrogen removal?
Specific autotrophic bacteria oxidize toxic ammonia into nitrate, while heterotrophic bacteria reduce nitrate to nitrogen gas during denitrification.
Why is nitrification difficult in industrial wastewater?
Industrial wastewater often lacks stable pH, sufficient alkalinity, and consistent temperatures, all of which are required for sensitive nitrifying bacteria to grow naturally.
Engineering reliability.
Stop relying on luck. Engineer a robust biological process with Microbe-Lift Nitrifier.
Technical support built for engineers.