At NINGBO INNO PHARMCHEM CO.,LTD., we focus on the science behind effective environmental solutions. This article provides an in-depth look at nitrification, a foundational step in the biological removal of nitrogen from wastewater. Understanding the nitrification process factors is essential for optimizing nitrogen removal in various water treatment applications, including river wetlands.

Nitrification is a two-stage aerobic process carried out by specific groups of bacteria, primarily Nitrosomonas and Nitrobacter. In the first stage, Nitrosomonas bacteria convert ammonia (NH3) or ammonium (NH4+) into nitrite (NO2-). This process requires oxygen and is sensitive to environmental conditions. The second stage involves Nitrobacter bacteria converting nitrite into nitrate (NO3-). Both stages release energy that the bacteria use for their metabolic activities. However, for effective nitrification, several environmental parameters must be carefully managed. Temperature is a significant factor, with the optimal range for nitrifying bacteria typically falling between 30-35°C. Beyond this range, bacterial activity can slow down considerably.

Dissolved oxygen is another critical requirement; nitrification requires aerobic conditions, and dissolved oxygen levels should ideally be maintained above 2mg/L for robust activity. Lower concentrations, such as 0.5-0.7mg/L, represent the limit of tolerance. The pH of the water also plays a crucial role, with the optimal range for nitrification being between 7.2 and 8.0. Nitrification consumes alkalinity; for every gram of ammonia oxidized, about 7.14g of CaCO3 alkalinity is used. Therefore, maintaining sufficient alkalinity is important to prevent a significant drop in pH, which can inhibit the process. Other factors, such as the presence of toxic substances and the sludge age (the mean residence time of solids in the system), also impact nitrification efficiency. A longer sludge age, typically over 3-5 days, is needed to ensure a sufficient population of slow-growing nitrifying bacteria.

Successfully implementing biological denitrification process relies heavily on efficient nitrification. By understanding and controlling these nitrification process factors, we can enhance the overall performance of wastewater treatment systems. Whether it's for industrial effluent or municipal sewage, optimizing nitrification is a key step towards achieving lower nitrogen levels and healthier aquatic environments. NINGBO INNO PHARMCHEM CO.,LTD. is dedicated to providing the knowledge and tools to achieve these vital environmental goals.