Production and decomposition of nitrous oxide during biological denitrification
Nitrate (NO{sub 3}) was reduced with methanol (MeOH) over denitrification-filter sludge in a closed reactor. The initial reaction product was nitrous oxide (N{sub 2}O). It accumulated to a maximum (N{sub 2}O{sub max}) and was then rapidly reduced to nitrogen (N{sub 2}). At the time of maximum accumulation (t{sub max}), 50 to 80% of the nitrate-nitrogen reduced was in the form of N{sub 2}O. These results led to a higher estimate of N{sub 2}O emission from biological denitrification than previously considered. The results also suggest the concept of a multistage anoxic reactor in which nitrate can be reduced to N{sub 2} with minimal emission of N{sub 2}O. The design would provide for retention of N{sub 2}O in the upstream stages and reduction of N{sub 2}O downstream.
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE
- OSTI ID:
- 642315
- Journal Information:
- Water Environment Research, Vol. 70, Issue 5; Other Information: PBD: Jul-Aug 1998
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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