Chemolithotrophic denitrification in biofilm reactors

• Published in: Chemical engineering journal (Lausanne, Switzerland : 1996) Vol. 280; pp. 643 - 657
• Main Authors: Di Capua, Francesco, Papirio, Stefano, Lens, Piet N.L., Esposito, Giovanni
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier B.V 15.11.2015
• Subjects: Biofilm; Biofilm electrode reactor; Chemolithotrophic denitrification; Fluidized bed reactor; Membrane biofilm reactor; Packed bed reactor; SRB; Chemolithotrophic denitrification; EPS; DO; HRT; ORP; ASD; FBR; SPEME; COD; MF; SLAD; IE; MBR; AA; Fluidized bed reactor; PBR; HFMBfR; MBfR; p-CNB; GAC; BER; EBCT; DCM; SOM; TON; DBCP; Biofilm electrode reactor; TSS; DAS; TCE; Biofilm; Packed bed reactor; PVA; Membrane biofilm reactor; RO; 2-CP
• ISSN: 1385-8947; 1873-3212
• DOI: 10.1016/j.cej.2015.05.131

[Display omitted] •Comparative analysis of biofilm reactors for chemolithotrophic denitrification.•Water characteristics strongly affect the bioreactor denitrification performance.•A decision tool for choosing the most appropriate bioreactor is provided.•Fluidized bed and membrane biofilm reactors have the highest denitrification rates.•Packed bed and biofilm electrode reactors are cost-effective alternatives. Chemolithotrophic denitrification is an inexpensive and advantageous process for nitrate removal and represents a promising alternative to classical denitrification with organics. Chemolithotrophic denitrifiers are microorganisms able to reduce nitrate and nitrite using inorganic compounds as source of energy. Ferrous iron, sulfur-reduced compounds (e.g. hydrogen sulfide, elemental sulfur and thiosulfate), hydrogen gas, pyrite and arsenite have been used as inorganic electron donors resulting in diverse outcomes. In the last 40years, a large number of engineered systems have been used to maintain chemolithotrophic denitrification and improve rate and efficiency of the process. Among them, biofilm reactors proved to be robust and high-performing technologies. Packed bed reactors are particularly suitable for the removal of low nitrate concentrations, since high retention times are required to complete denitrification. Fluidized bed and membrane biofilm reactors result in the highest denitrification rates (>20kg N-NO3−/m3d) when hydrogen gas and sulfur reduced compounds are used as electron donors. Hydrogen gas pressure and current intensity rule the performance of membrane biofilm and biofilm electrode reactors, respectively. Biofouling is the most common and detrimental issue in biofilm reactors. Bed fluidization and hydrogen supply limitation are convenient and effective solutions to mitigate biofouling.