A Fundamental Understanding of Methane Driven Denitrification (2006-2008)
Abstract
Nitrogen removal from wastewater is crucial to protect Australia s sensitive environments. Biological denitrification is essential in this process, but optimal performance is often limited by the available organic carbon. In many cases, external carbon sources have to be 'imported' onto the plant. This is expensive and increases the overall CO2 emissions. This project investigates the innovative option of using methane, generated in on-site anaerobic sludge digesters, as a renewable carbon supplement. This would almost double the amount of carbon available for denitrification, allowing sustainable high-level nitrogen removal from wastewaters. This project aims to reveal the fundamental mechanisms behind methane-driven denitrification.
