The nitrogen removal potential of predenitrification systems in sensitive coastal areas

Effective nitrogen removal is now required to protect water quality in sensitive coastal areas. This involves a much more difficult treatment process than for conventional domestic sewage as wastewater quantity and quality exhibits severe fluctuations in touristic zones. Activated sludge is currently the most widely used wastewater treatment and may be upgraded as a predenitrification system for nitrogen removal. Interpretation of nitrification and denitrification kinetics reveal a number of useful correlations between significant parameters such as sludge age, C/N ratio, hydraulic retention time, total influent COD. Nitrogen removal potential of predenitrification may be optimized by careful evaluation of wastewater character and the kinetic correlations.