Biological Denitrification of Ground Water Using Various Carbon Sources by Pseudomonas Fluorescens and Pseudomonas Stutzeri in a Hetrotrophic Denitrification Reactor

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Archna, | Sobti, R.C. | Sharma, S.K.

Affiliations: Department of Chemical Engineering, MS Ramaiah Institute of Technology, Bangalore – 560054 | Department of Biotechnology, Panjab University, Chandigarh – 160014 | Department of Chemical Engineering, Panjab University, Chandigarh – 160014

Note: [] Corresponding author. E-mail: archna_71@yahoo.com

Abstract: A pilot plant study has been performed on biological removal of nitrate using heterotrophic denitrification reactor. The system behaviour has been analysed with the usage of – (i) three carbon sources (cotton, wheat straw and wood shavings), (ii) two microbial strains (Pseudomonas fluorescens NCIM 5059 and Pseudomonas stutzeri NCIM 5136) and (iii) at different temperatures. An optimal operating mode for 90% nitrate removal has been achieved by Pseudomonas fluorescens with inlet nitrate concentration of 200 ppm, flow rate 2.5 ml/min, carbon source cotton, temperature 30°C ± 0.5°C and for Pseudomonas stutzeri at same process conditions but with the temperature of 40°C ± 0.5°C. The feasibility of nitrate removal was also tested with carbon source as wood shavings and wheat straw.

Keywords: Denitrification, heterotrophic denitrification reactor (HDR), trickling sand filter (TSF), solid natural carbon source

Journal: Asian Journal of Water, Environment and Pollution, vol. 8, no. 4, pp. 21-25, 2011