Nitrogen removal from pharmaceutical manufacturing wastewater via nitrite and the process optimization with on-line control

In this study, laboratory scale experiments were conducted to investigate the nitrogen removal from pharmaceutical manufacturing wastewater. The results indicate that by selective inhibition of free ammonia on oxidizers, nitrogen removal can be achieved by nitritation and denitritation process. The nitrite ratio was above 98% in the aerobic stage and the nitrogen removal efficiency was about 99%. The complete ammonia removal corresponded exactly to the "Ammonia Valley" in the pH versus time graphic and the anoxic reaction was completed when the "Nitrite Knee" appeared in the ORP versus time graphic. Optimization of the SBR cycle by step-feed and on-line control with pH and ORP strategy allowed the carbon and energy saving. The easy operation and the low cost make the SBR system an interesting option for the biological nitrogen removal from the pharmaceutical manufacturing wastewater.