Nitrogen enters wastewater treatment plants mainly as Ammonia and is typically removed biologically. Utilizing aeration, the nitrification stage utilizes aerobic bacteria to turn Ammonia into Nitrite and then Nitrate. Nitrogen removal happens in the denitrification stage as bacteria consume the Oxygen from Nitrate turning it into Nitrogen gas that escapes into the atmosphere.
Energy cost savings
Aeration can be 70% of a plant’s budget because most wastewater treatment plants play it safe by running their blowers full speed 24 hours a day 7 days a week. Knowing your Nitrate and Ammonia levels with seasonal or daily fluctuations is critical to save you money by knowing when to turn off the blowers. How would more frequent or real time monitoring help you see the BIG picture?
