Biological Nitrogen Removal Database

A manually curated data resource for microbial nitrogen removal


Freshwater systems


Experimental setup


Influent:Aquaculture wastewater

Denitrification system:Recirculating aquaculture systems Heterotrophic Denitrification

Denitrifying reactor:Membrane-denitrification reactor (MRD)

Medium:PUR (poly(urethane))Foam cubes

Culture taken from:nan

Organism (s) cultured:Carps (Cyprinus carpio)

Respiration:Aerobic

Electron donor:Ethanol

Electron acceptor:Nitrate


Experimental Information


Input NO3-N (mg/l):nan

Nitrate removal rate (mg NO3-N/l/h):0.5

Denitrification rate (gNO3-N removed/m3/day):nan

Microorganisms identified:nan

Molecular tools:nan


Information about Article


Major findings:Cost effective method for water purification since both processes occur in the same reactor and no chemicals are needed to clean the membranes. The membranes remove solids thereby improving water quality.

Authors:Boley et al., 2016

Title:A new reactor for denitrification and micro-particle removal in recirculated aquaculture systems

Pubmed link:Link

Full research link:Link

Abstract:A ‘membrane-denitrification’ reactor (MDR) was developed and tested in a semi-technical recirculation aquaculture system in comparison to a double – without MDR – as reference system. The MDR consisted of a reactor with an ultrafiltration membrane unit for removal of micro-particles (e.g. sludge flocs, bacteria and parasites). Specific carrier material provided surfaces for biofilm growth in a fluidized bed reactor with ethanol as carbon source for denitrification. The continuous motion of these carriers cleaned the membrane surface. With online and laboratory measurements of water parameters and operational data the feasibility of the concept was verified. An advantage is that no chemicals are needed to clean the membranes. Examinations of the fish and water analyses proved an MDR can positively influence cortisol, as a stress marker, and the microflora of the aquatic system.