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Nitrogen need for flocforming organism (Read 334 times)

ruben vdk

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Nitrogen need for flocforming organism
Jun 06^th, 2012, 4:20am

I was wondering what type of nitrogen do flocforming organisms (nitrification/denitrification) use in their metabolism? Is it protein, NH4-N, NO3-N?

We almost always have NH4-N levels (in aeration) close to zero (influent has TKN 200-300 mg/L) and have by times a very light sludge. Such low values of NH4-N means that the conversion to NO3 is very fast and so not much NH4-N is left for the flocforming organisms while the filamentous bacteria are much better equiped to consume the little NH4 that is left (and get a competitive advantage).

Is it ok to operate aeration basins in such a way that NH4 is almost zero or is it (not only for energy consumtion) better to operate the aeration to a higher value of NH4-N?

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The sludge judge

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Re: Nitrogen need for flocforming organism
Reply #1 - Jun 6^th, 2012, 8:55am

the floc formers get first crack at the nitrogen, they'll take what they need. If you are getting nitrate that's a sign that your nitrifying too. The nitrogen can be taken up by the bugs in ammonia or nitrate. I'd look at some other possibilities for why you have alot of filaments.

Filaments like 021N and Thiothrix II need less nitrogen so are able to outcompete floc formers in some cases in nitrogen limited conditions.

By describing a "very light sludge" it's likely your F/M ratio (food: bugs) is very high.

best regards,

Ryan

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