Development of a new denitrification process using methane as electron donor

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To better protect human health and water resources, the control of oxidized forms of nitrogen (nitrite and nitrate) is essential. However, Canada only regulates nitrogen in wastewater effluent with un-ionized ammonia less than 1.25 mg/L at a temperature of 15±1°C. In general, biological denitrification processes have been used to remove nitrite or nitrate into nitrogen gas. These processes need continuous dose of organic chemicals for bacteria to reduce oxidized forms of nitrogen into nitrogen gas, which increases operating and maintenance costs in wastewater treatment facilities. This cost can be a significant barrier to denitrification application for small- to medium-sized cities or industries. Hence, economical denitrification processes would facilitate the control nitrite and nitrate (i.e., total nitrogen control) for wastewater effluent, which will improve protection of human health and water resources. The goal of this project is to develop an innovative, economical biotechnology using methane as the electron donor for denitrification; methane can be generated from sludge anaerobic digestion in wastewater treatment facilities, and hence methane can be a free chemical for denitrification. On the one hand, this project can help an industry partner to initiate development of a new, economical denitrification process. On the other hand, successful development of this technology can improve human health and the clean water environment in Canada.