Biological denitrification in a continuous flow membrane reactor

• Published in: Water science and technology 1998, Vol.38 (1), p.9-14
• Main Authors: Mansell, Bruce O., Schroeder, Edward D.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Biological and medical sciences; Biological treatment of waters; Biotechnology; Continuous flow; Denitrification; Dye dispersion; Effluents; Environment and pollution; Exact sciences and technology; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; General purification processes; groundwater; Industrial applications and implications. Economical aspects; Influents; membrane bioreactor; Membrane reactors; Membranes; Molecular diffusion; nitrate; Nitrate removal; Nitrates; Nutrient removal; Pollution; Reactors; Removal; Wastewaters; Water treatment and pollution
• ISSN: 0273-1223; 1996-9732
• DOI: 10.1016/S0273-1223(98)00384-9

Biological denitrification in a continuous flow membrane reactor has been investigated. The nitrate-laden water treated was separated from a suspended denitrifying culture by a 0.02 μm average pore diameter membrane. Equal pressure was maintained across the membrane and nitrate was removed by molecular diffusion through the membrane and into the denitrifying culture. A nitrate removal efficiency of approximately 90% or a flux of 4 g NO3−-N/m2/d of membrane area was achieved with an influent concentration of 20 mg/L NO3−-N. A mathematical model was developed to approximate system performance. Predicted effluent concentrations for the experiments conducted were 5.7, 9.5, 11.7, and 17.6 mg/L NO3−-N. The respective measured effluent concentrations were 2.3,6.0,9.0, and 16.0 mg/L NO3−-N.