Biological Nitrogen Removal Database

A manually curated data resource for microbial nitrogen removal


Marine systems


Experimental setup


Influent:Marine water

Denitrification system:Recirculating aquaculture systems Heterotrophic Denitrification

Denitrifying reactor:Packed bed

Medium:Inorganic granular material

Culture taken from:Backwash waters from nitrifying filters

Organism (s) cultured:nan

Respiration:Aerobic

Electron donor:Ethanol

Electron acceptor:Nitrate


Experimental Information


Input NO3-N (mg/l):60

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

Denitrification rate (gNO3-N removed/m3/day):2400

Microorganisms identified:nan

Molecular tools:nan


Information about Article


Major findings:The submerged filter resulted in an increased denitrification rate. However, bacterial growth tends to clog the packging which resulted in it having to be washed every three days.

Authors:Sauthier et al., 1998

Title:Biological denitrification applied to a marine closed aquaculture system.

Pubmed link:None

Full research link:Link

Abstract:The denitrification of marine effluents was tested using a technology involving immobilized denitrifying bacteria on granular material. To ensure efficient denitrification, an organic carbon addition was needed. The denitrification rate was quantified in the pilot-unit working as a batch fermentor. A first order kinetic model according to the nitrate nitrogen concentration was found and the rate coefficient is an increasing function of the TOC/N(NO?3) ratio, with an optimum ratio of 1 g g?1. Smaller values led to a nitrite production which was nevertheless oxidized in the treatment line; higher values could lead to the appearance of toxic sulphides. Working on stationary hydraulic loads, the treatment capacity of the unit was about 2.4 kgN(NO?3) m?3 j?1. It was necessary to wash the packing once every 3 days. The malfunctioning of the unit could be avoided by the oxidation-reduction potential control.