Made available in DSpace on 2017-07-10T19:24:23Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Carla Limberger _Lopes (Tese revisada) 2016.pdf: 2793834 bytes, checksum: bd8e57da9e9986df4f212107c57ca249 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2016-02-17 / The aim of this study was to evaluate a combined anaerobic-aerobic upflow fixed-bed reactor with recirculation of the liquid phase for the removal of nitrogen and organic matter from poultry slaughterhouse wastewater. The reactor was made of an acrylic tube of internal diameter of 93 mm and the length of 1000 mm with a useful volume of 5.6 L being 3.5 L corresponding to the anaerobic compartments and 2.1 L to the aerobic one. The bed for immobilization of the biomass was formed by expanded clay and polyurethane foam. For discussing the results, this study was divided into three articles. In the first article, was evaluated the reactor performance with respect to the elimination of nitrogen (≈65 mg.NT.L-1) and organic matter (≈600 mg.DQO.L-1) due to the recirculation rate (R = 0.5, 1 and 2) and the hydraulic retention time (HRT) of 11 h (6.8 h in anaerobic condition and 4.2 h in aerobic condition) over the time. The best operating condition was obtained at the recirculating rate of 2. In this condition, the total nitrogen removal was 65% with the effluent concentration of 6 mg.NH4+.L-1 e 12 mg.NO3-.L-1. For all condition, the organic matter removal was greater than to 95% with the effluent concentration of approximately 20 mg.COD.L-1. Thus, the increasing of the recirculation rate influenced positively in the reactor performance. In the second article, the hydraulic detention time was evaluated (HDT) at 14 h, 11 h and 8 h with the recirculation rate (R) of 0.5 (Step I), R = 1 (Step II) and R 2 = (Step III). The affluent average concentrations were 65 mg.NT.L-1, 580 mg.COD.L-1, 77 mg L-1 of total alkalinity and pH of 6.4. The samples were collected inlet and output of each compartment along the reactor height. In the Step I, the nitrification efficiencies were 76%, 70% and 41% respectively for 14 h, 8 h and 11 h, showing the effect of HRT. In all steps, the alkalinity has been regarded as the limiting factor of the process and its deficit was 10 to 30%. It was attributed to this factor the low efficiency of total nitrogen removal of about 45%. Throughout the experiment the removal efficiency of organic matter in terms of chemical oxygen demand (COD) was over 90% and made to fit the first order kinetic model for degradation of the substrate. In the third article, was evaluated the hydrodynamic behavior of this system, through stimulus response tests using eosin Y dye as tracer. It has been evaluated the hydraulic retention time of 8 h with three recirculation rates, of .0.5, 1 and 2 times. Under these conditions, the removal of organic matter was greater than 90% and nitrogen conversion was favored by applying lower loads of (0.18 Kg.N.m-3.d-1). It was found that the hydrodynamic evaluation showed the continuous-stirred reactors behavior with 2 to 2.5 reactors in series (N-CSTR). / O objetivo desse trabalho foi avaliar um reator combinado anaeróbio-aeróbio de leito fixo e fluxo ascendente com recirculação da fase líquida, para a remoção de nitrogênio e matéria orgânica proveniente de água residuária de abatedouro de aves. O reator foi confeccionado em um tubo de acrílico de diâmetro interno de 93 mm e comprimento de 1000 mm, com volume útil de 5,6 L, sendo 3,5 L correspondentes aos compartimentos anaeróbios e 2,1 L correspondentes ao compartimento aeróbio. O leito para a imobilização da biomassa foi formado por argila expandida e espuma de poliuretano. A apresentação desse trabalho foi dividida em três artigos. No primeiro artigo, avaliou-se o desempenho do reator em relação à remoção de nitrogênio (≈65 mg.N.L-1) e de matéria orgânica (≈600 mg.DQO.L-1) em função da taxa de recirculação (R=0,5; 1 e 2) e do tempo de detenção hidráulica (TDH) de 11 horas (6,8 horas na condição anaeróbia e 4,2 horas na condição aeróbia), ao longo do tempo. A melhor condição operacional foi obtida com taxa de recirculação de 2. Nessa condição, a eficiência de remoção de nitrogênio total foi de 65% com concentrações efluentes de 6 mg.NH4+.L-1 e 12 mg.NO3-.L-1. Para todas as condições testadas, a eficiência de remoção de matéria orgânica apresentou-se superior a 95%, com concentração efluente de aproximadamente 20 mg.DQO.L-1. Assim, o aumento da taxa de recirculação influenciou positivamente no desempenho do reator. No segundo artigo, avaliaram-se os tempos de detenção hidráulica (TDH) de 14 horas, 11 horas e 8 horas com taxa de recirculação (R) de 0,5 (Ensaio I), R=1 (Ensaio II) e R=2 (Ensaio III). As concentrações médias afluentes foram 65 mg.NT.L-1, 580 mg.DQO.L-1, 77 mg.L-1 de alcalinidade total e pH de 6,4. As amostras foram coletadas na entrada e saída de cada compartimento, ao longo da altura do reator. Na Etapa I, e as eficiências de nitrificação foram de 76%, 70% e 41%, respectivamente para 14 horas, 11 horas e 8 horas, evidenciando o efeito do TDH. Em todas as etapas, a alcalinidade foi considerada o fator limitante do processo e o seu déficit variou de 10% a 30%. Atribuiu-se a esse fator a baixa eficiência na eliminação de nitrogênio total de aproximadamente 45%. Durante todo o experimento, a eficiência de remoção de matéria orgânica em termos de demanda química de oxigênio (DQO) foi superior a 90% e apresentou ajuste ao modelo cinético de primeira ordem para a degradação do substrato. No terceiro artigo, avaliou-se o comportamento hidrodinâmico desse sistema, a partir de ensaios de estímulo resposta utilizando o traçador Eosina Y. Avaliou-se o tempo de detenção hidráulica de 8 horas com as três taxas de recirculação, de 0,5, 1 e 2 vezes. Nessas condições, a remoção de matéria orgânica foi superior a 90% e a conversão de nitrogênio foi beneficiada com a aplicação de cargas menores (0,18 Kg.N.m-3.d-1). Na avaliação hidrodinâmica verificou-se que o reator apresentou comportamento de reator de mistura completa com 2 a 2,5 reatores em série (N-CSTR).

Made available in DSpace on 2017-07-10T19:25:19Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Adriana.pdf: 968040 bytes, checksum: 23975797e6990ff1ba29ebced647c90a (MD5) Previous issue date: 2012-02-16 / Agroindustrial effluents from meat processing are characterized by high levels of suspended solids, organic compounds and nutrients, mainly nitrogen on its different forms. It is crucial to remove nitrogen compounds from these effluents because of its eutrophying potential and risks to aquatic life as well as to human health. Thus, this trial aimed at evaluating the efficiency of a sequencing batch reactor (SBR), as a post-treatment, on biological removal of nitrogen in cattle slaughterhouse wastewater by nitrification/denitrification processes. The experimental unit consisted of a SBR made of polyethylene with 185 mm diameter x 205 mm height and a 4 L working volume. The effects of initial concentration of ammoniacal nitrogen were investigated at 100, 150 and 200 mg L-1 and air flow rate of 0.125, 0.375 and 0.625 L min-1 Lreactor -1 on nitrogen compounds removal. A central rotatable composite design (CRCD) was applied with four runs in -1 and +1 levels, four runs on levels of axial points (-1.414 and +1.414) and three replications at the central point (0). Nitrification performance was evaluated according to the efficiency of nitrogen ammoniacal removal, conversion of nitrite to nitrate and nitrite accumulation (%), denitrification performance based on the efficiency of nitrite/nitrate and organic matter (%) removal, as well as the efficiency of the whole process by the removal of total nitrogen (%). During the treatment system management, the observed parameters were: temperature, pH, alkalinity, dissolved oxygen, C/N ratio, free ammonia and nitrous acid. During nitrification process, there were changes among 11.5 and 100%, 9.2 and 94.9% and 4.0 and 19.6% in order to have an efficient removal of ammoniacal nitrogen, conversion of ammoniacal nitrogen to nitrate and nitrite concentration, respectively. Nitrite concentration of less than 20% may be a clue of a complete nitrification. Both studied factors, initial concentration of ammoniacal nitrogen and air flow rate, showed significant effects at 10% on the recorded variables response, although the interaction among factors showed no significance. The increased air flow and decrease concerning the initial concentration of ammoniacal nitrogen resulted in higher efficiencies of ammoniacal and total nitrogen removal, as well as the conversion of ammoniacal nitrogen to nitrate. During the preestablished intervals of this study, the highest efficiencies above 80% were achieved in air flow levels between 0.375 and 0.725 L min-1 Lreactor -1 and initial concentration of ammoniacal nitrogen between 80 and 200 mg L-1. On denitrification process, the answers ranged from 91.5 and 96.9 and 78.3% and 87.9% concerning the efficiencies to remove nitrite/nitrate and organic matter. The evaluation of kinetic behavior showed a possible reduction in cycle times of aerobic and anoxic phases, since removals of nitrogen compounds, superior to 90%, were achieved in only 12 and 1 h, respectively. Maximum concentrations, 13.8 and 6.8 x 10-9 mg L-1 of free ammonia and nitrous acid, did not inhibit ammoniacal nitrogen oxidation. The SBR system, used to remove nitrogen, proved to be feasible for the treatment of effluent from cattle slaughterhouse, as it has shown high levels of oxidation of nitrogen compounds that met the discharge standards, required by law / Efluentes agroindustriais oriundos do processamento de carnes são caracterizados por elevados teores de sólidos em suspensão, compostos orgânicos e nutrientes, principalmente nitrogênio em suas diferentes formas. A remoção dos compostos nitrogenados desses efluentes se torna indispensável em decorrência de seu potencial eutrofizante e dos riscos à vida aquática e à saúde humana. Dentro desse contexto, o presente trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar a eficiência de um reator em batelada sequencial (RBS), como póstratamento, na remoção biológica de nitrogênio de efluente de abatedouro de bovinos por meio de processos de nitrificação/desnitrificação. A unidade experimental constituiu-se de um RBS confeccionado de polietileno com 185 mm de diâmetro x 205 mm de altura e volume útil de 4 L. Foram investigados os efeitos da concentração inicial de nitrogênio amoniacal de 100, 150 e 200 mg L-1 e as vazões de ar de 0,125, 0,375 e 0,625 Lmin-1 Lreator -1 na remoção de compostos nitrogenados. Foi utilizado delineamento composto central rotacional (DCCR), com quatro ensaios nos níveis -1 e +1, quatro ensaios nos níveis dos pontos axiais (-1,414 e +1,414) e três repetições no ponto central (0). Foi avaliado o desempenho da nitrificação através da eficiência de remoção do nitrogênio amoniacal, conversão de nitrito a nitrato e acúmulo de nitrito (%) e o desempenho da desnitrificação através da eficiência de remoção de nitrito/nitrato e matéria orgânica (%), além da eficiência do processo completo pela remoção de nitrogênio total (%). Durante a operação do sistema de tratamento, foram monitorados os parâmetros temperatura, pH, alcalinidade, oxigênio dissolvido, relação C/N, amônia livre e ácido nitroso. No processo de nitrificação, foram verificadas variações de 11,5 a 100%, 9,2 a 94,9% e 4,0 a 19,6% nas eficiências de remoção de nitrogênio amoniacal, conversão de nitrogênio amoniacal a nitrato e acúmulo de nitrito, respectivamente. O acúmulo de nitrito inferior a 20% pode ser indicativo de nitrificação completa. Os fatores avaliados, concentração inicial de nitrogênio amoniacal e vazão de ar apresentaram efeitos significativos a 10% sobre as variáveis respostas obtidas, porém a interação entre os fatores não apresentou significância. O aumento da vazão de ar e a diminuição da concentração inicial de nitrogênio amoniacal resultaram em maiores eficiências de remoção de nitrogênio amoniacal e total e conversão de nitrogênio amoniacal a nitrato. Nos intervalos pré-estabelecidos de estudo, as eficiências acima de 80% foram atingidas nos níveis de vazão de ar de 0,375 a 0,725 L min-1 Lreator -1, combinadas com concentração inicial de nitrogênio amoniacal de 80 a 200 mg L-1. No processo de desnitrificação, foram obtidas variações de 91,5 a 96,9% e 78,3 a 87,9% nas eficiências de remoção de nitrito/nitrato e matéria orgânica, respectivamente. A avaliação do comportamento cinético indicou possível redução nos tempos de ciclo das fases aeróbia e anóxica, uma vez que foram alcançadas remoções dos compostos nitrogenados, superiores a 90%, em apenas 12 e 1 h, respectivamente. Concentrações máximas, na ordem de 13,8 e 6,8 x 10-9 mg L-1 de amônia livre e ácido nitroso, não inibiram a oxidação do nitrogênio amoniacal. O sistema RBS, aplicado na remoção de nitrogênio, mostrou-se viável para o tratamento de efluente de abatedouro de bovinos, visto que apresentou níveis elevados de oxidação de compostos nitrogenados que atenderam aos padrões de lançamento, exigidos pela legislação ambiental vigente

O presente trabalho apresenta o Reator Aeróbio-Anóxico de Leito Fixo (RAALF), constituído de duas câmaras sobrepostas, como uma alternativa ao pós-tratamento de efluentes de reatores anaeróbios com vistas à remoção de matéria orgânica carbonácea e nitrogênio. Como material suporte, foram utilizados cubos de espuma de poliuretano com aresta de 5 mm. Foram realizados ensaios de caracterização hidrodinâmica no RAALF para obtenção do padrão de escoamento. Também foi verificada a viabilidade da utilização de biogás como doador de elétrons para a desnitrificação. Avaliou-se a influência da variação do tempo de detenção hidráulica e da diferente composição e concentração biogás do nos processos. O RAALF foi operado a uma temperatura de 30±2°C. Os resultados obtidos a partir dos estudos hidrodinâmicos indicaram que o escoamento do reator tende a pistonado. A nova configuração de reator permitiu a ocorrência dos processos de interesse, seja remoção de matéria orgânica carbonácea (com eficiências de até 98%), seja remoção de nitrogênio via nitrificação-desnitrificação (com eficiências acima de 90%). A utilização de biogás na desnitrificação mostrou-se viável e a taxa de desnitrificação foi maior na sub-condição 2.2 (média de 178±43 g-N/\'M POT.3\'.dia), etapa na qual o doador sulfeto de hidrogênio foi fornecido em alta concentração (50 g\'M POT.3\'). Foi possível detectar intermediário (metanol) a partir da oxidação parcial do metano, ainda que de forma inconstante. Resultados de atividade desnitrificante e número mais provável evidenciaram a coexistência da desnítrificação autotrófica e heterotrófica na câmara anóxica. O reator mostrou capacidade adicional como um sistema de tratamento de gases, atingindo eficiência de remoção de 100% para o \'H IND.2\'S\' e acima de 60% para o \'CH IND.4\'. De maneira geral, os resultados demonstram o potencial do RAALF como alternativa para pós-tratamento de esgoto sanitário de efluentes de reatores anaeróbios. / This work presents the Aerobic-Anoxic Fix Bed Reactor (AAFBR), with superimposed chambers, as an alternative concerning the post-treatment of anaerobic reactors efiluents aiming the removal of carbonaceous organic matter and nitrogen. Polyurethane foam cubic matrices (5 mm) were used packing material. Hydrodynamic essays were carried out in order to obtain the flow pattern and to verify the influence of air bubbles on the behavior of liquid flow. The hydrogen sulfide and methane (synthetic biogas) were evaluated as electron donors to denitrification. The influence ofboth hydraulic retention time (down-flow velocity) and the concentration of gases from the synthetic mixture were evaluated. The main performance parameters were evaluated by the hand of physico-chemical analysis, besides the observation of the microorganisms involved in the processes. AAFBR was operated under a temperature of 30±2°C. The innovative reactor configuration enabled the occurrence of the processes aimed, such as carbonaceous organic matter removal (efficiencies higher than 90%), or nitrogen via nitrification-denitrification (efficiencies higher than 90%). Denitrification rates (178±43 g-N/\'M POT.3\'.dia) were higher during the condition 2.2, in which high concentrations of hydrogen sulfide (50 g\'M POT.3\') were applied into the reactor. Methanol was the only intermediate detected from the partial oxidation of methane. Results obtained from the denitrifying activity and most probable number indicated the coexistence of both autotrophic and heterotrophic denitrification in the anoxic chamber. AAFBR showed additional ability as gas removal system, achieving global removal efficiencies of 100% for \'H IND.2\'S\' and above 60% for \'CH IND.4\'. Overall, the results showed that AAFBR has potential to be used as an alternative for the tertiary treatment of wastewater.

Made available in DSpace on 2017-05-12T14:48:42Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Adriana.pdf: 968040 bytes, checksum: 23975797e6990ff1ba29ebced647c90a (MD5) Previous issue date: 2012-02-16 / Agroindustrial effluents from meat processing are characterized by high levels of suspended solids, organic compounds and nutrients, mainly nitrogen on its different forms. It is crucial to remove nitrogen compounds from these effluents because of its eutrophying potential and risks to aquatic life as well as to human health. Thus, this trial aimed at evaluating the efficiency of a sequencing batch reactor (SBR), as a post-treatment, on biological removal of nitrogen in cattle slaughterhouse wastewater by nitrification/denitrification processes. The experimental unit consisted of a SBR made of polyethylene with 185 mm diameter x 205 mm height and a 4 L working volume. The effects of initial concentration of ammoniacal nitrogen were investigated at 100, 150 and 200 mg L-1 and air flow rate of 0.125, 0.375 and 0.625 L min-1 Lreactor -1 on nitrogen compounds removal. A central rotatable composite design (CRCD) was applied with four runs in -1 and +1 levels, four runs on levels of axial points (-1.414 and +1.414) and three replications at the central point (0). Nitrification performance was evaluated according to the efficiency of nitrogen ammoniacal removal, conversion of nitrite to nitrate and nitrite accumulation (%), denitrification performance based on the efficiency of nitrite/nitrate and organic matter (%) removal, as well as the efficiency of the whole process by the removal of total nitrogen (%). During the treatment system management, the observed parameters were: temperature, pH, alkalinity, dissolved oxygen, C/N ratio, free ammonia and nitrous acid. During nitrification process, there were changes among 11.5 and 100%, 9.2 and 94.9% and 4.0 and 19.6% in order to have an efficient removal of ammoniacal nitrogen, conversion of ammoniacal nitrogen to nitrate and nitrite concentration, respectively. Nitrite concentration of less than 20% may be a clue of a complete nitrification. Both studied factors, initial concentration of ammoniacal nitrogen and air flow rate, showed significant effects at 10% on the recorded variables response, although the interaction among factors showed no significance. The increased air flow and decrease concerning the initial concentration of ammoniacal nitrogen resulted in higher efficiencies of ammoniacal and total nitrogen removal, as well as the conversion of ammoniacal nitrogen to nitrate. During the preestablished intervals of this study, the highest efficiencies above 80% were achieved in air flow levels between 0.375 and 0.725 L min-1 Lreactor -1 and initial concentration of ammoniacal nitrogen between 80 and 200 mg L-1. On denitrification process, the answers ranged from 91.5 and 96.9 and 78.3% and 87.9% concerning the efficiencies to remove nitrite/nitrate and organic matter. The evaluation of kinetic behavior showed a possible reduction in cycle times of aerobic and anoxic phases, since removals of nitrogen compounds, superior to 90%, were achieved in only 12 and 1 h, respectively. Maximum concentrations, 13.8 and 6.8 x 10-9 mg L-1 of free ammonia and nitrous acid, did not inhibit ammoniacal nitrogen oxidation. The SBR system, used to remove nitrogen, proved to be feasible for the treatment of effluent from cattle slaughterhouse, as it has shown high levels of oxidation of nitrogen compounds that met the discharge standards, required by law / Efluentes agroindustriais oriundos do processamento de carnes são caracterizados por elevados teores de sólidos em suspensão, compostos orgânicos e nutrientes, principalmente nitrogênio em suas diferentes formas. A remoção dos compostos nitrogenados desses efluentes se torna indispensável em decorrência de seu potencial eutrofizante e dos riscos à vida aquática e à saúde humana. Dentro desse contexto, o presente trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar a eficiência de um reator em batelada sequencial (RBS), como póstratamento, na remoção biológica de nitrogênio de efluente de abatedouro de bovinos por meio de processos de nitrificação/desnitrificação. A unidade experimental constituiu-se de um RBS confeccionado de polietileno com 185 mm de diâmetro x 205 mm de altura e volume útil de 4 L. Foram investigados os efeitos da concentração inicial de nitrogênio amoniacal de 100, 150 e 200 mg L-1 e as vazões de ar de 0,125, 0,375 e 0,625 Lmin-1 Lreator -1 na remoção de compostos nitrogenados. Foi utilizado delineamento composto central rotacional (DCCR), com quatro ensaios nos níveis -1 e +1, quatro ensaios nos níveis dos pontos axiais (-1,414 e +1,414) e três repetições no ponto central (0). Foi avaliado o desempenho da nitrificação através da eficiência de remoção do nitrogênio amoniacal, conversão de nitrito a nitrato e acúmulo de nitrito (%) e o desempenho da desnitrificação através da eficiência de remoção de nitrito/nitrato e matéria orgânica (%), além da eficiência do processo completo pela remoção de nitrogênio total (%). Durante a operação do sistema de tratamento, foram monitorados os parâmetros temperatura, pH, alcalinidade, oxigênio dissolvido, relação C/N, amônia livre e ácido nitroso. No processo de nitrificação, foram verificadas variações de 11,5 a 100%, 9,2 a 94,9% e 4,0 a 19,6% nas eficiências de remoção de nitrogênio amoniacal, conversão de nitrogênio amoniacal a nitrato e acúmulo de nitrito, respectivamente. O acúmulo de nitrito inferior a 20% pode ser indicativo de nitrificação completa. Os fatores avaliados, concentração inicial de nitrogênio amoniacal e vazão de ar apresentaram efeitos significativos a 10% sobre as variáveis respostas obtidas, porém a interação entre os fatores não apresentou significância. O aumento da vazão de ar e a diminuição da concentração inicial de nitrogênio amoniacal resultaram em maiores eficiências de remoção de nitrogênio amoniacal e total e conversão de nitrogênio amoniacal a nitrato. Nos intervalos pré-estabelecidos de estudo, as eficiências acima de 80% foram atingidas nos níveis de vazão de ar de 0,375 a 0,725 L min-1 Lreator -1, combinadas com concentração inicial de nitrogênio amoniacal de 80 a 200 mg L-1. No processo de desnitrificação, foram obtidas variações de 91,5 a 96,9% e 78,3 a 87,9% nas eficiências de remoção de nitrito/nitrato e matéria orgânica, respectivamente. A avaliação do comportamento cinético indicou possível redução nos tempos de ciclo das fases aeróbia e anóxica, uma vez que foram alcançadas remoções dos compostos nitrogenados, superiores a 90%, em apenas 12 e 1 h, respectivamente. Concentrações máximas, na ordem de 13,8 e 6,8 x 10-9 mg L-1 de amônia livre e ácido nitroso, não inibiram a oxidação do nitrogênio amoniacal. O sistema RBS, aplicado na remoção de nitrogênio, mostrou-se viável para o tratamento de efluente de abatedouro de bovinos, visto que apresentou níveis elevados de oxidação de compostos nitrogenados que atenderam aos padrões de lançamento, exigidos pela legislação ambiental vigente

Embora o nitrogênio seja um nutriente limitado, em excesso, ele pode causar a degradação de sistemas aquáticos. Apesar de, no âmbito nacional, o Brasil não apresentar problemas de escassez hídrica, regiões altamente populosas já tem enfrentado problemas de déficit hídrico, inclusive em função da poluição difusa de nitrogênio. Zonas ripárias têm sido apontadas como um dos atributos da bacia hidrográfica que pode ajudar na melhoria e manutenção da qualidade hídrica devido a sua capacidade de retirar nitrogênio do sistema terrestre oriundo de fontes difusas. Essa característica lhe é conferida por serem ambientes favoráveis ao processo de desnitrificação. A desnitrificação é um dos processos, se não o primeiro, responsável por converter o nitrato para formas gasosas N2O e N2. Considerando que os estudos sobre a função desempenhada por vegetações ripárias como sumidouro de nitrogênio se concentraram em países de clima temperado e que paisagens alteradas são o uso da terra majoritário no Estado de São Paulo, onde o problema de déficit hídrico já é uma realidade. Entender o papel que zonas ripárias desempenham sobre a dinâmica do nitrogênio torna-se fundamental para o desenvolvimento de estratégias de manejo do uso da terra voltadas para a manutenção da qualidade de sistemas aquáticos em regiões tropicais. O objetivo do trabalho é investigar se existe mudança dos processos que regulam a dinâmica do nitrogênio no solo em paisagens alteradas, enfatizando o papel desempenhado por vegetações ripárias como sumidouros de nitrogênio. A bacia hidrográfica do ribeirão Caxambu, com elevada influência antrópica, foi selecionada. Dentro dela dois rios foram escolhidos: (i) ribeirão Cachoeira drenando uma vertente com uso pastoril, na qual o pasto se estende até a zona ripária e (ii) ribeirão Caxambu drenando uma vertente agrícola com presença de floresta ripária. Extratores de solução do solo foram instalados ao longo de ambas vertentes para a quantificação do nitrogênio inorgânico dissolvido (NID) transportado ao longo de um ano. Amostras de solo foram coletadas nas porções: ripária e encosta de ambas vertentes para a quantificação das taxas líquidas de mineralização e nitrificação e também da desnitrificação potencial em cinco meses ao longo de um ano. Variáveis físico-químicas, incluindo NID, foram monitoradas em ambos os ribeirões. Os resultados indicam que as florestas ripárias estão processando o nitrogênio mais ativamente do que pastos ripários. As taxas líquidas de mineralização e nitrificação foram significativamente superiores no solo de florestas ripárias em relação ao solo de pasto ripário. No entanto, não houve diferença estatística significativa entre solo de floresta ripária e pasto ripário com relação à desnitrificação potencial. Não houve mudança das concentrações de NID na solução do solo ao longo da vertente pastoril, sendo estas relativamente baixas. Contrariamente, na vertente agrícola, submetida à fertilização, houve redução da concentração de NID na solução do solo quando se passou da encosta agrícola para a floresta ripária. Essa redução pode ser atribuída também ao processo de desnitrificação. Porém, outros processos além da desnitrificação devem estar atuando como moduladores da dinâmica do nitrogênio no solo de florestas ripárias. Tendo em vista que houve redução da ciclagem de nitrogênio na pastagem em relação à floresta, a inferência sobre o papel que o pasto ripário poderia desempenhar caso haja um elevado aporte de nitrogênio para essa zona ripária foi limitada. Concluí-se que as florestas ripárias podem atuar como sumidouro de nitrogênio em ambientes tropicais alterados. Portanto, podem ser uma ferramenta para o manejo sustentável de recursos hídricos na propriedade rural / Although nitrogen is a limiting nutrient, in excess, it can lead to the degradation of aquatic systems. Despite the fact that at national level Brazil does not have problems of water scarcity; regions highly populated are already facing deficit of water, caused among other things by nitrogen diffuse pollution. Riparian zones have been indicated as an attribute of the watershed that can maintain quality of water because their capacity in preventing diffuse pollution. Denitrification is one, if not the primary process responsible for this function, converting nitrate to gaseous N2O or N2. Considering that studies about the role of riparian vegetations in removing nitrogen loads are concentrated in temperate countries, and that altered landscapes is the main land cover of the State of Sao Paulo, where water scarcity is already a problem; understanding about the role of riparian zones on nitrogen dynamics is fundamental to orient land management practices aiming at preservation of aquatic systems in tropical regions. The objective of this study is to investigate whether processes that regulate the nitrogen dynamic in the soil change among altered landscapes, emphasizing the role of riparian vegetations as nitrogen sinks. The study area is the Caxambu watershed which is under intense anthropogenic influence. Two streams were selected: (i) Cachoeira stream draining a pasture slope with a riparian zone under pasture use and (ii) Caxambu stream draining an agricultural slope with riparian forests. Soil solution extractors were installed in each slope to quantify the concentration of dissolved inorganic nitrogen (DIN) at 50 cm deep during one year. Soil samples were collected at four sites: riparian zone with pasture, upland with pasture, riparian zone with forest, and upland with agriculture in order to quantify net mineralization, net nitrification, and denitrification potential during five months, in a period of one year. Physical-chemical variables, including DIN, in each stream were monitored during one year. The results show that nitrogen cycling in riparian forests soils is more intense than riparian pastures. Net mineralization and net nitrification are higher at riparian forests in relation to riparian pastures and other sampled sites. However there is no significant difference between riparian forests and riparian pastures in relation to denitrification potential. There is no significant difference between DIN concentration in the soil solution at pasture slope, and these concentrations are relatively low. On the contrary, at the agricultural slope under fertilization DIN concentrations are reduced significantly as soil solution moves through the riparian forests. This reduction could be the result of higher denitrification that occurs at riparian forest soils. However, besides denitrification other processes may be playing important role as modulators of nitrogen dynamic in the soils of riparian forests. Because the results show that nitrogen cycling is lower in the pasture compared to forest, inferring about the role that riparian pastures could play as nitrogen sinks was limited. In conclusion there is an indication that riparian forests can play an important role as nitrogen sink at altered landscapes in tropical region. Therefore restoring riparian zones could be an interesting tool to further deterioration of aquatic systems

Constata-se, principalmente em países em desenvolvimento, o uso crescente de reatores anaeróbios de manta de lodo (UASB) como primeira unidade de tratamento biológico de esgotos sanitários. Embora eficientes na remoção de fração considerável de matéria orgânica, os reatores anaeróbios produzem efluentes que requerem pós-tratamento, principalmente para a remoção de compostos nitrogenados reduzidos. No presente estudo, foi avaliado o desempenho de uma nova configuração de filtro biológico percolador (FB), constituído por dois compartimentos superpostos, um para a nitrificação e outro para a desnitrificação. Utilizou-se um novo material plástico como leito suporte para crescimento da biomassa e avaliou-se a viabilidade da utilização do biogás produzido no reator UASB como doador de elétrons para desnitrificação. Embora a nova configuração de FB tenha permitido a ocorrência dos processos de nitrificação e desnitrificação, são necessárias mudanças no projeto da interface entre os compartimentos para evitar o acúmulo de biomassa nesse local. O material suporte caracterizou-se pela durabilidade e elevado índice de vazios, além de ter oferecido condições favoráveis para a aderência e colonização de biomassa. A utilização de biogás para a desnitrificação mostrou-se viável e eficiente. Como foi constatada a presença de oxigenio dissolvido no compartimento desnitrificante, o metano foi o principal constituinte do biogás utilizado como doador de elétrons. Para a taxa de carregamento hidráulica média aplicada de 5,6 \'M POT.3\'/\'M POT.2\'.d e taxa de carregamento orgânica média aplicada de 0,26 kgDQO/\'M POT.3\'.d, a nitrificação ocorreu de forma eficiente, obtendo-se entre 60 e 74% de conversão de N-amon, sendo que o efluente final apresentou, em média, concentração abaixo de 10 mg/L. A desnitrificação ocorreu de forma bastante satisfatória mesmo na presença de OD. Obtiveram-se concentrações de nitrato menores que 10 mg/L. Contudo, acredita-se ser possível a obtenção de maiores eficiencias de remoção desde que as condições anóxicas no compartimento desnitrificante sejas mantidas. / UASB reactors have been increased used as first unit of biological domestic sewage treatment mainly in developing countries. Although efficient in the removal of considerable fraction of organic matter, effluents from anaerobic reactors, however, require being post-treated, especially for the removal of reduced nitrogen compounds. In the present study, the performance of a new configuration of trickling filter (TF) composed of a nitrification compartment at its upper part followed by a denitrification compartment was evaluated. A new plastic material was used as support media for biomass attached-growth and the biogas produced by the UASB reactor was used as electron donor for denitrification. Although the new TF configuration has allowed obtaining the nitrification and denitrification, the design in the interface among the compartments should be changed to avoid biomass accumulation. The support media was characterized by the durability and high percentage of void spaces, resides offering favorable conditions for the biomass attachment and colonization. The use of the biogas for denitrification was found to be viable and efficient. The presence of disolved oxygen (DO) was verified in the denitrification compartment, leading to the hypothesis that methane might have been the main component of the biogas used as electrons donor. Regarding the performance of TF for nitrogen removal, efficient nitrification was achieved for the applied hydraulic load around 5.6 \'M POT.3\'/\'M POT.2\'.d and applied organic load around 0.26 kgDQO/\'M POT.3\'.d. Under such conditions, about 74% of N-ammonia was removed and the final effluent presented average concentrations of N-ammonia below 10 mg/L. Despite the presence of OD, the denitrification was performed in a satisfactory way. Nitrate concentrations smaller than 10 mg/L were obtained. In addition, it is believed that maintaining anoxic conditions in the lower compartment would make it possible to obtain higher denitrification efficiencies.

Small towns that operate wastewater treatment lagoons struggle to meet ammonia limits in cold weather. Here we report the performance of a lagoon, retrofitted with submerged attached-growth reactors (SAGRsTM), to provide insight on ammonia effluent compliance and optimal SAGR sizing as functions of water temperature. The lagoon-SAGR water resource recovery facility (WRRF) removed 95% of incoming ammonia with 94% attributable to the SAGRs. The high treatment capacity of the two primary SAGRs, evidenced by nearly continuous dissolved oxygen saturation and exceedingly high ammonia removals, suggested the two secondary SAGRs were essentially unnecessary and that all four SAGRs should be reduced in size. Furthermore, without the secondary SAGRs, the primary SAGR effluent would have exceeded the permitted ammonia discharge limit only four times in the 2.5 year study. At its current size, the lagoon-SAGR WRRF never exceeded permitted ammonia limits, but size reductions should be used for future retrofits. To further understand cold-weather ammonia removal in the lagoon-SAGR WRRF, we investigated the effect of increased ammonia loading on biomass and the effect of biofilms on microbial abundance. When ammonia loading to the SAGRs was increased in the fall, the lagoon-SAGR WRRF never exceeded its ammonia permit limit, the kinetic coefficients were maintained (0.5-0.8 d-1) and the NH3 removal rates improved (0.25 kg d-1 in baseline loading to 0.45 kg d-1) despite a large temperature decrease (25 °C to < 16 °C). In the biofilm, ammonia-oxidizing archaea abundance was 10 times greater than the ammonia-oxidizing bacteria abundance suggesting the potential importance of ammonia oxidizing archaea in biofilm mediated systems. Additionally, the ammonia and nitrite transforming microbes in the SAGRs had a diverse range of dissolved oxygen affinities and were more abundant in the biofilm in comparison to the wastewater. Anaerobic ammonium-oxidizing bacteria were abundant in the biofilm even though the film constantly interacted with high dissolved oxygen. We found that two components of a successful lagoon-SAGR WRRF were increased biomass in the SAGRs before cold-weather due to elevated ammonia loading and diverse oxygen affinities in the microbes related to ammonia removal.

The transformations of organic nitrogen to ammonium and nitrate are central processes in the internal soil nitrogen cycle. In most agricultural soils, ammonium is rapidly oxidized to nitrate in the process known as nitrification; often leading to loss of nitrate from the system. Nitrification is mediated by ammonia oxidizing bacteria or archaea, and nitrite oxidizing bacteria. Understanding links between process rates, enzyme activities and the communities of microbes that cycle nitrogen may contribute to sustainable management. Our main objective was to determine the impacts of contrasting nitrogen management on soil microbial communities, enzyme activities, and functional genes for nitrification and nitrogen mineralization in a Utah agricultural system. Process rates and activities were measured in laboratory potential assays and 15N isotope pool dilution experiments. The abundance and diversity of genes involved in nitrification and nitrogen mineralization were examined using quantitative real-time PCR, pyrosequencing, clone libraries, and metagenomics. Key enzymes and their relevant marker genes included ammonia monooxygenase (amoA), nitrite oxidoreductase (nxrB), protease (npr and sub), chitinase (chiA), and urease (ureC). The overall soil microbial community composition was assessed targeting ribosomal genes. Ammonia oxidizing bacteria were more responsive than archaea to ammonium fertilizers while the archaea were competitive under low ammonium levels. The relative contribution of ammonia oxidizing archaea to nitrification increased with increasing temperature and their activity had a higher temperature optimum than bacteria. The abundance of ammonia oxidizers in the organic farming system increased with organic nitrogen fertilizers and their activity was higher in manure than in compost treated soil. Nitrogen fertilizers strongly stimulated the rates of potential nitrite oxidation. Nitrospira was the only known nitrite oxidizer genus recovered from any soil sample. The application of organic nitrogen fertilizers, but not inorganic, increased the diversity of the prokaryotic community and the activities of soil enzymes. In the organic farming system, abundances of functional genes for mineralization were increased by organic nitrogen fertilizer and these abundances were significantly correlated with corresponding enzyme activity. Understanding the link between microbial communities and the biogeochemical functions of nitrification and mineralization may allow ecosystem models to incorporate microorganisms as dynamic components driving nitrogen flux.

Advanced wastewater treatment plants must meet permit requirements for organics, solids, nutrients and indicator bacteria, while striving to do so in a cost effective manner. This requires meeting day-to-day fluctuations in climate, influent flows and pollutant loads as well as equipment availability with appropriate and effective process control measures. A study was carried out to assess performance and process control strategies at the Falkenburg Road Advanced Wastewater Treatment Plant in Hillsborough County, Florida. Three main areas for control of the wastewater treatment process are aeration, return and waste sludge flows, and addition of chemicals. The Falkenburg AWWTP uses oxidation ditches where both nitrification and denitrification take place simultaneously in a low dissolved oxygen, extended aeration environment. Anaerobic selectors before the oxidation ditches help control the growth of filamentous organisms and may also initiate biological phosphorus removal. The addition of aluminum sulfate for chemical phosphorus removal ensures phosphorus permit limits are met. Wasting is conducted by maintaining a desired mixed liquor suspended solids (MLSS) concentration in the oxidation ditches. For this study, activated sludge modeling was used to construct and calibrate a model of the plant. This required historical data to be collected and compiled, and supplemental sampling to be carried out. Kinetic parameters were adjusted in the model to achieve simultaneous nitrification-denitrification. A sensitivity analysis found maximum specific growth rates of nitrifying organisms and several half saturation constants to be influential to the model. Simulations were run with the calibrated model to observe relationships between sludge age, MLSS concentrations, influent loading, and effluent nitrogen concentrations. Although the case-study treatment plant is meeting discharge permit limits, there are several recommendations for improving operation performance and efficiency. Controlling wasting based on a target MLSS concentration causes wide swings in the sludge age of the system. Mixed liquor suspended solids concentration is a response variable to changes in sludge age and influent substrate. Chemical addition for phosphorus removal should also be optimized for cost savings. Finally, automation of aeration control using online analyzers will tighten control and reduce energy usage.

Bioelectrochemical systems couple the oxidation of an electron donor at the anode with the reduction of an electron acceptor at the cathode, using microorganisms to catalyse one or both reactions. When the overall reaction is exergonic, a power output is generated and the system is referred to as microbial fuel cell (MFC); when power is added to the system and hydrogen is produced at the cathode through electrolysis of water, the system is referred to as microbial electrolysis cell (MEC). This PhD thesis is principally focused on the microbial fuel cells technology. Microbial fuel cells are regarded as a sustainable technology for electric energy generation from the oxidation of organic substrates contained in wastewater. The rising need for renewable energy sources and sanitation has encouraged intense research in this novel technology. Nevertheless, up untill now the interest has been primarily focused on the anodic oxidation of organic matter contained in wastewater. However, in addition to organics, wastewater also contains other pollutants, such as soluble nitrogen compounds, for which specific treatment is required. In conventional wastewater treatment systems, the organics available in the wastewater are typically used as electron donor during denitrification. However, a considerable fraction (>50%) of the chemical oxygen demand (COD) is still oxidized aerobically due to the large recirculation flows from the nitrification to the denitrification stages required in anoxic/aerobic configurations to allow for low nitrate levels in the final effluent. This increased COD demand is normally fulfilled by supplementary COD addition, with consequent increase of treatment costs. Alternatively, microorganisms can use inorganic carbon substrates and inorganic electron donors such as hydrogen for denitrification. However, the use of compressed hydrogen is hampered by its low solubility. As a solution, electrochemical hydrogen production permits in situ delivery of the electron donor and is advantaged by simplified control and dissolution of H2. The energy requirements to provide reducing power for denitrification can be decreased if bacteria use the electrode directly as electron donor without intermediate hydrogen production in bioelectrochemical systems. However, fundamental knowledge on bioelectrochemical denitrification is still lacking, therefore, this PhD thesis aims to fill some of these knowledge gaps and to solve some of the bottlenecks of the use of biocathodes. In particular, the goals of this work are: (i) to produce a suitable microbial community able to use the cathode as the sole electron donor during denitrification; (ii) to engineer a bioelectrochemical system able to couple the cathodic denitrification with the oxidation of organics at the anode; (iii) to characterize and quantify the electron losses during anodic and cathodic processes; (iv) to develop a bioelectrochemical system that maximises the nitrogen removal by integrating the nitrification stage into the cathode; finally, (v) to provide an insight into the structural properties of the biofilm performing nitrogen removal at the cathode. The results reveal that microbes can effectively utilize the electrode as electron donor for nitrate reduction to gaseous nitrogen at a redox potential that excludes intermediate production of hydrogen. Measurements revealed that acetoclastic methanogenesis and bacterial growth were responsible for causing the major electron losses at the anode. Adjusting the anodic potential did not achieve a significant overall reduction of the electron losses. At the cathode, the charge transfer efficiencies were instead very high, with the losses only due to the generation of nitrous oxide. Moreover, adjustments of the cathode potential resulted in higher efficiency. High carbon and nitrogen removal was obtained with a COD demand for denitrification as low as 2.4 g per g nitrogen denitrified, which is much lower than typically observed in heterotrophic–based nitrogen removal technologies (>7 g g 1). Nitrogen was removed at rates up to 0.256 kg N m-3 d-1, which is comparable to other autotrophic denitrification processes. Simultaneous nitrification and denitrification was observed in a combined system with cathodic aeration, at bulk dissolved oxygen (DO) levels up to 5 mg L-1, which is considerably higher than normally considered feasible for the process. Confocal laser scanning microscope analysis revealed the existence of a structured biofilm where putative nitrifying organisms occupied the outer layers in contact with the aerated bulk liquid, and putative denitrifying organisms occupy the layers closer to the electrode. These findings are significant in the field of bioelectrochemical systems as they help to unravel some of the complex questions relating to biocathodes. Additionally, the system provides an attractive option to achieve a very high level of nitrogen removal from wastewater with low COD/N ratios due to the selective utilisation of the COD for the denitrification reaction via the electrical transfer of reducing equivalents from the anode to the cathode. However, this research creates new questions, particularly regarding the mechanisms of electron transfer at the cathode. Also a number of practical design and optimisation challenges need to be overcome before wider applications can be considered.