Anoxic nitrification/denitrification

Anoxic processes are biological processes in which oxygen is available in the combined form only and not in the free state. Anoxic processes in an activated sludge plant may be used for denitrification. In the anoxic conditions bacteria which degrade Nitrogenous organics predominate over the bacteria which degrade carbonaceous organic matter.The nitrification takes place in the aeration tank. (conversion of ammonia to nitrites and nitrates).This nitrified effluent is recycled the anoxic tank where it is denitrified. (conversion of nitrates to nitrogen gas). During anoxic conditions, dissolved oxygen is not available to the aerobic microorganisms for respiration. Because of this, the oxygen molecules are stripped from the nitrate by heterotrophic bacteria , causing the production of nitrogen gas(N2) . In addition, a portion of the alkalinity consumed during the nitrification process is restored through the denitrification process. Therefore, the pH rises which is an indication for denitrification.

Anoxic nitrification/denitrification