The biologically-mediated process of nitrification can occur in chloraminated drinking water distribution systems. In this process, ammonia is oxidized to nitrite by ammonia-oxidizing bacteria (AOB) and archaea (AOA). In complete nitrification, nitrite is further converted to nitrate by nitrite-oxidizers; however, bacterial mediation of this step is less critical as a chemical-oxidation pathway also exists. The initial conversion of ammonia to nitrite is also more critical due to its role in the degradation of the disinfectant residual. Nitrification is affected by factors such as the concentrations of ammonia and total chlorine, the pH of the drinking water, and the temperature. The key consequence of distribution system nitrification is an accelerated decay of the disinfectant residual; it can also lead to increases in nitrite and nitrate, and a potential proliferation of heterotrophic bacteria. The goal of this thesis is to enhance understanding of distribution system nitrification; one aspect to this goal is the evaluation of models for nitrification. The approach followed in this study was to collect water samples from two full-scale distribution systems in Southern Ontario. In the first phase, a sampling campaign was conducted at sites in these systems, with water samples being analyzed for parameters considered relevant to nitrification, such as the concentrations of nitrogen species affected by nitrification, the disinfectant residual, and the levels of ammonia-oxidizing microorganisms. In the second phase, batch tests were conducted with water from these same distribution systems. In the course of the field sampling campaign some indications of nitrification were detected, but there were no severe nitrification episodes as indicated by major losses of the disinfectant or prolonged elevations in nitrite levels. On some occasions at some sites there were small rises in nitrite above baseline levels; moderate declines in total chlorine residual were also seen. Nitrifying microorganisms were present in most samples, as detected by both culture-based and molecular methods (PCR). The latter was able to distinguish AOA from AOB; both were detected in the systems included in this study, with AOB gene counts outnumbering those of AOA at most sites. Using Spearman non-parametric correlations, significant correlations were found between some parameters relevant to nitrification. Notably, AOB were found to be positively correlated with heterotrophic plate counts (HPC), reinforcing the latter's role as a useful indicator of microbial regrowth conditions in a distribution system. Also of interest is the negative correlation between total chlorine residual and levels of microorganisms, reminding drinking water professionals of the value of maintaining a stable disinfectant residual. Batch testing investigations compared total chlorine decay curves between inhibited and uninhibited samples to provide insight into the microbial contribution to disinfectant decay. Four types of decay curves were identified, with qualitative differences in the microbial contribution to the disinfectant residual decay. Liquid chromatography with organic carbon detection (LC-OCD) was applied to investigate changes in the character of the dissolved organic carbon over the course of the batch tests. Based on the results of this study, it is recommended to evaluate the results of nitrification batch tests based on a visual identification of the curve type and calculation of the decay rates and critical threshold residual (CTR), rather than relying on the microbial decay factor alone to express the results. An application of this work was in making comparisons to some models for nitrification proposed in the literature. The ultimate goal of these models is to provide drinking water system operators with a prediction of when nitrification episodes will occur so that action may be taken to avert them. The models considered in this study differ in their degree of complexity and in whether they are based on mechanistic considerations. The differences in the underlying principles and data required for analysis make these models suitable for different applications. The results of this evaluation support the use of the model of Fleming et al. (2005) in full-scale distribution systems and the use of the model by Yang et al. (2008) for research applications, while the other models considered can still offer some useful insights. The results of this research can be applied to monitoring and operational practices in chloraminated distribution systems where nitrification is a potential concern. The correlations between parameters that have significance to distribution system nitrification that were found in this study, along with the modelling and batch testing evaluated in this work, can provide insight into predicting conditions favourable to nitrification and avoiding or averting nitrification episodes.

Bibliography: leaves 183-202 / xxiv, 202 leaves, [46] leaves of plates : ill ; 30 cm. / Title page, contents and abstract only. The complete thesis in print form is available from the University Library. / Thesis (Ph.D.)--University of Adelaide, Dept. of Agricultural Biochemistry, Waite Agricultural Research Institute, 1984

Thesis (Ph. D., Plant Science)--University of Idaho, December 2007. / Major professor: John E. Lloyd. Includes bibliographical references. Also available online (PDF file) by subscription or by purchasing the individual file.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--Ohio State University, 2007. / Title from first page of PDF file. Includes bibliographical references (p. 115-119).

Humans have dramatically increased the amount of reactive nitrogen cycling through the biosphere. In coastal systems, excess nitrogen can lead to negative impacts. Thus, it is crucial to understand how nitrogen is cycled within, and eventually removed from, marine systems and the variables that regulate these processes. Sediment denitrification (the microbial conversion of nitrate (NO3^-) to dinitrogen (N2) gas) and water column nitrification (the two step oxidation of ammonium (NH4^+) to nitrite (NO2^-) and then nitrate (NO3^-)) rates were quantified along an in situ gradient of environmental conditions from an estuary to the continental shelf off Rhode Island, USA. Sediment net denitrification rates were directly measured over multiple seasonal cycles using the N2/Ar technique. Denitrification rates ranged from 20-75 μmol m^-2 hr^-1 (mean 44±4), indicating that this process removes ~5% of total reactive nitrogen entering the North Atlantic shelf region per year. Based on model results, these rates also represented a three-fold decrease in sediment nitrogen removal in New England continental shelf sediments over the past century. A literature review of marine water column nitrification observations were compiled to evaluate how ammonium, nitrite, and total oxidation rates vary worldwide. Rates of ammonium, nitrite, and total oxidation differed among estuary, continental shelf, and open ocean environments (p<0.05). This review highlights that as we continue to study marine "nitrification," it is necessary to consider both individual oxidation processes and environment type. Water column ammonium and nitrite oxidation rates were measured using stable isotope tracers off Rhode Island. At all study sites, nitrite oxidation rates (0-99 nM d^-1) outpaced ammonium oxidation rates (0-20 nM d^-1). These oxidation processes responded in dissimilar ways to in situ water column conditions (depth, salinity, dissolved oxygen, and pH), and these relationships varied with location. Nitrous oxide (N2O) production rates up to 10 times higher than ammonium oxidation indicated that ammonium oxidation may be underestimated if this byproduct is not measured. For the first time, the link between sediment metabolism and water column nitrification was also examined, and the results highlight the importance of benthic-pelagic coupling as controlling factor of water column ammonium and nitrite oxidation. / 2019-04-30T00:00:00Z

Orientador: Ronaldo Stefanutti / Dissertação (mestrado) - Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Faculdade de Engenharia Civil, Arquitetura e Urbanismo / Made available in DSpace on 2018-08-13T07:16:42Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Cruz_LuanaMattosdeOliveira_M.pdf: 2567384 bytes, checksum: 517d8663924f9e32a90ec5b64ae951c8 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2009 / Resumo: O desenvolvimento de sistemas de tratamento de esgoto, eficientes e adaptáveis às condições econômicas e estruturais de uma região seria uma opção para diminuir o problema da escassez de água, já que o efluente poderia ser reutilizado ou descartado nos corpos hídricos. Ainda, com o esgotamento sanitário, os problemas de saúde pública e do meio ambiente seriam menos agravantes. Frente a esta situação, o objetivo deste projeto foi estudar um sistema para o tratamento de esgoto doméstico de pequenas comunidades, composto por filtros anaeróbios seguidos por filtros de areia. Avaliou-se o desempenho de dois filtros anaeróbios com fluxos ascendentes e preenchidos com cascas de coco verde (Cocos nucifera) e de quatro filtros de areia com espessura de 0,75m. A partida dos reatores anaeróbios foi diferente pois um deles foi inoculado. O Tempo de Detenção Hidráulico (TDH) estudado variou de 12 horas até 3 horas. Nos quatro filtros de areia foram aplicadas diferentes taxas hidráulicas (300, 400, 500 e 600 Lm-2dia) com a finalidade de se encontrar a capacidade limite de aplicações diárias, mantendo seu efluente com qualidade compatível a legislações brasileiras, como o CONAMA 357. A avaliação dos reatores anaeróbios, do meio suporte e das taxas de aplicação nos filtros de areia foi realizada com a análise semanal do esgoto bruto, dos efluentes anaeróbios e dos efluentes dos filtros de areia quanto a parâmetros físicos, químicos e biológicos, conforme os procedimentos do Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater. Os filtros anaeróbios mostraram-se estáveis frente a mudanças do TDH e a remoção de material orgânico foi em torno de 64% evidenciando que as cascas de coco verde podem ser utilizadas como meio suporte. Os filtros de areia puderam remover cerca de 80% da matéria orgânica e dos SST e, aproximadamente, 100% da turbidez. Além disso, apresentaram grande capacidade de aeração e nitrificação, gerando um efluente com 82% de concentração de nitrato em relação à concentração de nitrogênio total. Como os resultados foram satisfatórios, comprova-se que é possível a aplicação de maiores taxas hidráulicas nos leitos de areia. / Abstract: The development of efficient wastewater treatment systems, which are also adapted to the economic and structural conditions of a village, would be an option to decrease the lack of water problem since the effluent could be reused or discharged into receiving waters. Moreover, with wastewater system, health and environmental problems would be less frequent. For this reason, the aim of this investigation was to study a wastewater treatment system for small villages constituted by the combination of upflow anaerobic filters followed by sand filters. The performance of two upflow anaerobic reactors filled with coco nuts (Cocos nucifera) and four sand filters (0.75m deep) was evaluated. The anaerobic filters' staring up were different since one of them was inoculated. The hydraulic retention time (HRT), which was studied, varied from 12 to 3 hours. On the four sand filters, the anaerobic effluent was disposed in different frequencies of application (300, 400, 500 and 600 Lm-2dia-1) in order to estipulate the diary application limit capacity to keep the effluent quality according to Brazilian laws, like CONAMA 357. To evaluate the anaerobic reactors, the support and the frequency of application on the sand filters, weekly, sewage, anaerobic and final effluent were analyzed through physical, chemical and biological parameters, according to Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater. Anaerobic reactors were stable even when HRT was modified and organic material removing was around 64% showing that the coco nuts can be used as a support. The sand filters could remove about 80% of organic matter and TSS and, approximately, 100% of turbidity. Besides, these filters showed a great capacity of aeration and nitrification producing an effluent with 82% of nitrate concentration from the total nitrogen concentration. As the results were satisfactory, it can be confirmed the possible higher frequencies of application in sand filters. / Mestrado / Saneamento e Ambiente / Mestre em Engenharia Civil

O principal objetivo desse trabalho foi desenvolver uma nova configuração de biofiltro aerado submerso utilizado no pós-tratamento do efluente de reator UASB, capaz de realizar nitrificação e desnitrificação em um único sistema. Em busca de bases operacionais dessa nova configuração, a pesquisa foi inicialmente conduzida com três reatores seqüenciais. Esses reatores foram dispostos nas seqüências I e II, respectivamente. Os resultados obtidos com esses sistemas seqüenciais levaram a concepção do projeto da nova configuração do biofiltro proposto (BF definitivo). Os resultados da seqüência I mostraram alto potencial para conversão de nitrogênio amoniacal e total, e também alta eficiência na remoção da matéria orgânica carbonácea. Esse sistema, porém, não apresentou potencial para desnitrificação. Na seqüência II foi realizada recirculação entre dois reatores do sistema (anóxico e aeróbio) para aumento de tal potencial. O maior potencial de desnitrificação, nessa seqüência, foi observado para razão de recirculação, Rc, igual a 2,65 e com o uso de 40%, em volume, de esgoto sanitário bruto como fonte de carbono. Sob essas condições operacionais, para concentração média afluente ao sistema igual a 33,74 mg de \'N-\'NH IND.3\'/L as concentrações efluentes médias de \'N-NH IND.3\', \'N-NO IND.2\'POT.-\' e \'N-NO IND.3\'POT.-\' foram, respectivamente, iguais a 0,16, 0,0026 e 9,72 mg/L. Os resultados do BF definitivo mostraram que a nova configuração proposta é viável como unidade de pós-tratamento de efluente de reator UASB, promovendo nitrificação e desnitrificação em um único sistema, além de alta eficiência de remoção da matéria orgânica. Em todas as fases dessa pesquisa, praticamente, todos os resultados obtidos atenderam ao padrão de lançamento de nitrogênio amoniacal estabelecido pela legislação ambiental. / The main objective of this work was developing a new configuration of submerged aerated biofilter used in UASB reactor post-treatment, with nitrification and denitrification in a single system. Searching operational bases of this new configuration, this research was initially driven by three sequential reactors. These reactors were arranged in the sequences I and II, respectively. The results obtained with these sequential systems took the conception of the project of the new configuration of the proposed biofilter (definitive BF). The results of the sequence I showed high ammoniacal and total nitrogen conversion potential, and also high carbonaceous organic matter removal efficiency. This system, however, not presented potential for denitrification. In the sequence II recirculation between two reactors (anoxic and aerated) of the system was made for such potential increasing. The higher denitrification potential, in this sequence, was observed with recirculation reason, Rc, equal to 2,65 and using 40%, in volume, of raw sanitary sewage as carbon source. Under these operational conditions, for average affluent concentration of 33,74 mg of \'N-NH IND.3\'/L the average effluent concentrations of \'N-NH IND.3\', \'N-NO IND.2\'POT.-\' e \'N-NO IND.3\'POT.-\' were, respectively, equal to 0,16, 0,0026 and 9,72 mg/L. The results of the definitive BF showed that the new proposed configuration is feasible as effluent UASB post-treatment unity, with nitrification and denitrification in a single system, besides high organic matter removal efficiency. Practically in all the phases of this research, all the results obtained attended to the launch standard of ammoniacal nitrogen established by the environmental legislation.

Orientador: Edson Aparecido Abdul Nour / Dissertação (mestrado) - Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Faculdade de Engenharia Civil, Arquitetura e Urbanismo / Made available in DSpace on 2018-08-25T02:32:57Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Silva_GuilhermeAugustoda_M.pdf: 2678513 bytes, checksum: 34afef846ff5c1c96bb5c9b85443853c (MD5) Previous issue date: 2014 / Resumo: O presente estudo monitorou um sistema combinado anaeróbio-aeróbio com o objetivo de caracterizar a microfauna contida na biomassa aderida do reator aeróbio e determinar sua correlação com variáveis físicas e químicas, além de avaliar a redução da toxicidade do afluente do sistema para as espécies Vibrio fischeri e Girardia tigrina. O tratamento de esgoto com características sanitárias foi realizado por sistema em escala piloto constituído por filtro anaeróbio (FA), com volume de 300 L, seguido de biofiltro aeróbio submerso (BAS), com volume de 150 L, ambos preenchidos com meio suporte, seguidos de um decantador (DEC) com volume de 50 L. O sistema está instalado nas dependências do Laboratório de Protótipos de Tratamento de Águas e Efluentes (LABPRO) da FEC/UNICAMP. A pesquisa foi dividida em 4 etapas que se diferenciaram pela razão de recirculação entre efluente tratado e o efluente bruto que alimentava o sistema. Na etapa 1 (E1) não houve recirculação, ou seja, razão 0, na etapa 2 (E2) a razão foi de 1,5, na etapa 3 (E3) de 3,0 e na etapa 4 (E4) de 4,0. Foram monitorados 5 pontos de coleta no sistema: P1-esgoto bruto, P4- altura de 40 cm no BAS, P6-altura de 140 cm no BAS, P7-altura de 200 cm no BAS e P8-esgoto tratado. Foram coletadas amostras semanalmente para caracterização da microfauna e determinação das variáveis físicas e químicas, enquanto que os testes de toxicidade foram realizados 3 vezes em cada etapa sendo um no início, um no meio e outro no fim da etapa. A correlação foi estabelecida entre os grupos componentes da microfauna ¿ ciliados predadores de flocos (CPF), ciliados livre natantes (CLN), ciliados fixos (CF), amebas (AMB), flagelados (F) e micrometazoários (MTZ) ¿ e variáveis físicas e químicas tais como pH, temperatura, oxigênio dissolvido, nitrogênio amoniacal, nitrito, nitrato, demanda química de oxigênio (DQO), dentre outras. Na E1 foi encontrada correlação negativa entre o grupo F e as variáveis pH, alcalinidade parcial, alcalinidade total e nitrogênio amoniacal em P4. Em P7 foi determinada correlação positiva entre o grupo CF e pH, alcalinidade parcial, alcalinidade total, NTK e nitrogênio amoniacal, e correlação negativa com nitrato. Na E2 no ponto P4 foi possível correlacionar positivamente o grupo MTZ com nitrato, e negativamente com alcalinidade parcial. O grupo CLN foi correlacionado positivamente com nitrogênio amoniacal, NTK e DBO, e negativamente com nitrito e nitrato em P7. Na E3 o grupo CLN do P7 apresentou correlação positiva com pH, alcalinidade parcial e DBO, e negativa com oxigênio dissolvido e nitrato. Na E4 não foram obtidas correlações significantes para os pontos P4 e P6. Já em P7, o grupo AMB foi correlacionado positivamente com NTK. O esgoto bruto que alimentou o sistema apresentou toxicidade em todas amostras coletadas tanto para Vibrio fischeri quanto para Girardia tigrina. Para o organismo Vibrio fischeri todos os valores de CE50 determinados para o efluente tratado foram considerados não tóxico em cada etapa. Para Girardia tigrina ocorreu uma redução gradual da toxicidade do esgoto tratado ao longo de E1, E2 e E3, e não foi observada toxicidade em E4. P7 se mostrou como o melhor ponto para caracterização da microfauna devido à maior frequência dos grupos da microfauna, além de gerar maior número de correlações com as variáveis do que os pontos P4 e P6. Além disso, foi possível concluir que o sistema combinado foi considerado eficiente na redução de toxicidade para as espécies utilizadas de acordo com os parâmetros de operação aplicados ao sistema / Abstract: This study monitored an anaerobic-aerobic combined system aiming to characterize the microfauna contained in the aerobic reactor biomass and to determine its correlation to physical and chemical variables; it also aimed to asses the wastewater toxicity reduction of the system to the Vibrio fischeri and Girardia tigrina species. The treatment of wastewater with sanitary characteristics was accomplished by a pilot-scale system using an anaerobic filter (AF - 50 L) followed by a submerged aerobic biofilter (SAB - 150 L), both filled with support media, and a clarifier (50 ¿ L). The system is installed at the Laboratório de Protótipos de Tratamento de Águas e Efluentes (LABPRO) from FEC/UNICAMP. The research was divided into 4 stages that differentiate from each other by the recirculation ratio of treated effluent over affluent in the system. In stage 1 (S1), there was no recirculation, so the recirculation ratio was 0. In stage 2 (S2), the ratio was 1,5; in stage 3 (S3), the ratio was 3,0 and in stage 4 (S4), the ratio was 4,0. Five sample points were monitored in the system: P1 ¿ raw wastewater, P4 ¿ 40 cm height in SAB, P6 ¿ 140 cm height in SAB, P7 ¿ 200 cm height in SAB, and P8 ¿ treated wastewater. Samples were collected weekly for microfauna characterization and determination of physical and chemical variables, while toxicity essays were conducted 3 times at each stage: one at the start of the stage, one in the middle of the stage, and the last one at the end of the stage. The correlation was established between the groups that constitute microfauna ¿ crawling ciliates (CC), free swimming ciliates (FSC), sessile ciliates (SC), testae amobae (TA), flagellates (F) and micrometazoa (MTZ), as well as physical and chemical variables, such as pH, temperature, dissolved oxygen, chemical oxygen demand (COD), and others. In S1, negative correlation was established between group F and the variables pH, partial alkalinity, total alkalinity and ammonia nitrogen for P4. In P7, positive correlation was determined between group SC and ph, partial alkalinity, total alkalinity, TKN and ammonia nitrogen, and negative correlation to nitrate. In S2 for P4, it was possible to positively correlate the group MTZ to nitrate, and negatively to partial alkalinity. The group FSC correlated positively to ammonia nitrogen, TKN and BOD, and negatively to nitrite and nitrate in P7. In S3, the FSC group of P7 correlated positively to pH, partial alkalinity and BOD, and negatively to dissolved oxygen and nitrate. In S4, no significant correlation was found for P4 and P6. For P7, the TA group showed positive correlation to TKN. The raw wastewater that fed the system was determined as toxic to all samples collected to Vibrio fischeri and Girardia tigrina. For the organism Vibrio fischeri, all CE50 values determined for treated wastewater were considered nontoxic in every stage. For Girardia tigrina, a gradual toxicity reduction occurred for treated wastewater during S1, S2, and S3, but in S4, all samples were nontoxic. From the results, P7 showed to be the best point for microfauna characterization due to the bigger frequency of microfauna groups in this point and because it generated more significant coefficients that correlated to variables than points P4 and P6. In addition, the combined system is considered efficient when it comes to reducing toxicity for the species used according to the operation parameters applied in the system / Mestrado / Saneamento e Ambiente / Mestre em Engenharia Civil

Nitrification became the dominant nitrogen transformation in a number of lakes which accumulated ammonium, in hypolimnetic water, under aerobic conditions. The timing and duration of this activity varied between lakes but was characterized by decreasing ammonium, and increasing nitrate, concentrations. In Grasmere lake this phase was found to be due to the activity of planktonic chemolithotrophic nitrifying bacteria. The observed nitrate concentration increased during this phase and accounted for up to 15% of the total oxygen deficit of the hypolimnion. At similar in situ temperatures nitrification rates and nitrifying bacterial populations were greater in oxidised sediments than in the water column. Littoral sediments were more important than profundal sediments as sites of nitrification due to higher temperatures and the persistance of oxidising conditions to greater depths into these deposits. Within the littoral zone the physical characteristics of the sediment were important with organic rich deposits sustaining greater rates of nitrification than sandy sediments. Nitrate reduction was the primary determining factor of nitrate concentrations in sediment interstitial waters. Some observations on the culture of chemolithotrophic nitrifying bacteria from lakewater were discussed. Reviews of the methodology for nitrification research and nitrification in the lacustrine environment are presented.

Nitrogen is the only plant nutrient taken up as both a cation (NH4+) and anion (N03-). Nitrate is considered the "safe" form of N and NH4+ is generally thought to be toxic, especially at high levels. High NH4+/N03- ratios are thought to be toxic because they result in a rhizosphere pH low enough to damage root membranes, induced cation deficiencies, and build-up of NH3 caused by delayed NH4+ assimilation. These factors can be minimized in hydroponic culture. The objective of these studies was to quantify lll the effects of high NH4+/N03- ratios on nitrification and growth of wheat in hydroponics. Two cultivars of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) were grown to maturity with either 15% or 80% of the N supplied as NH4+. The effect of using Cl- versus SO42- as counter ions to NH4+ was also examined. Yield was not significantly affected by NH4+ ratio or counter ion. Seed protein was increased from 15 to 19% with high NH4+. Harvest index was reduced from 52 to 48% with 80% NH4+, but was unaffected by counter ion. Rates of nitrification in hydroponic culture are not well quantified and could result in significant conversion of NH4+ to NO3- before plant uptake. An isotopic dilution study was conducted to quantify rates of nitrification in hydroponic culture. A 2 x 2 x 2 factorial design was used to examine the effect of pH (5.8 or 7.0), inoculation with nitrifying bacteria, and the presence of plants. This study was done with wheat grown in vigorously-aerated, 2-L bottles. Each bottle contained 10 g of diatomaceous earth to provide surface area for microbial growth. Nitrate began to accumulate in 5 d in unplanted, inoculated bottles at pH 7.0; in 20 d at pH 5.8 with inoculation; but did not begin to accumulate in non-inoculated bottles (pH 5.8 or 7.0) until day 30. Nitrate never accumulated in any of the planted bottles, most likely because plants consumed the NO3- that was produced. Calculations from the isotopic dilution measurements indicated that the rate of nitrification averaged 58 μmol NO3- L-1d-1 in the planted bottles, and averaged 270 μmol NO3- L-1d-1 in unplanted bottles. Nitrification was likely reduced in the planted bottles because the reduced concentration of NH4+ limited nitrification. To provide rapid, inexpensive measurement of nutrient concentration in hydroponic solution, five colorimetric tests were evaluated. Tests for NO3- and PO4 were accurate and reliable, but the tests for SO42- SiO2, and Fe need additional refinement.