Alternative device for ANAMMOX/denitrification rate assessment using manometric method

Abstract

Anammox and denitrification processes play important role in nitrogen removal in wastewater treatment. In final stage of nitrogen compounds metabolism nitrogen gas is produced and released to atmosphere. Process rates can be estimated based on amount of produced nitrogen, but this kind of procedure requires special equipment that may be a significant obstacle in bringing this type of tests to common practice in wastewater treatment plants. A low-cost device was constructed to verify if such installation may be a reliable alternative for expensive commercially available products (e.g. OxiTop® system). Values of Specific Anammox Activity measured in different temperatures by constructed device and OxiTop® system were consistent in 86.3%. Average gas production based on pressure growth exceed 94.9% the values obtained by use of chemical analysis. Conducted tests confirmed that low-cost manometric device can be a useful tool in denitrification/Anammox sludge activity tests.