Nitrification
Optimal nitrogen elimination through precise monitoring of
the bacterial populations responsible for nitrification.
The role of nitrifiers in nitrogen conversion
Nitrification is the bacterial conversion of ammonium (NH4+) via the intermediate product nitrite (NO2-) to nitrate (NO3-). Nitrification at the wastewater treatment plant is therefore essential for the removal of nitrogen and thus for compliance with the limit values for nitrogen compounds. Disruptions in nitrification are therefore particularly problematic. Continuous monitoring, process optimization and microbiological expertise are essential.
The conversion of ammonium into nitrate is carried out by specialized microorganisms - the nitrifiers. This group includes the ammonium-oxidizing bacteria (AOB) (e.g. Nitrosomonas) and the nitrite-oxidizing bacteria (NOB) (e.g. Nitrospira). These bacteria belong to the chemolithotrophic organisms and play a central role in the biological degradation of nitrogen in wastewater treatment plants.
Ammonium oxidizers (AOB)
The AOBs oxidize ammonium to nitrite. The group of AOBs includes, among others, Nitrosospira spp. and Nitrosomonas spp. Optimal conditions for these bacteria are ensured through precise control of aeration and other process parameters.
Nitrite oxidizers (NOB)
The NOBs oxidize nitrite to nitrate. They have different tolerance thresholds to nitrite, meaning they are inhibited by nitrite above certain concentrations. For this reason, it is very important that the two groups, AOBs and NOBs, work together optimally.
The role of association
The close association of the two bacterial groups is necessary because, on the one hand, the AOBs provide nitrite as a substrate for the NOBs. On the other hand, it is crucial for the AOBs that the NOBs remove the nitrite, which is toxic at high concentrations.
Why is microbiological monitoring so important?
For stable nitrification, the bacterial groups responsible for the process must be present in sufficient quantities in the sludge and optimally associated. Microbiological analysis of the bacteria involved in nitrification is therefore essential for process stability in wastewater treatment plants. Since nitrifying bacteria are sensitive to fluctuations, their continuous monitoring is crucial to prevent breakdowns in nitrification, reduce operating costs, and ensure compliance with legal requirements. Through direct detection of AOBs and NOBs, even the smallest changes in their populations can be identified early, before discharge limits are exceeded.
How can the nitrifiers be monitored?
The VIT® gene probe technology enables effective monitoring of the involved microorganisms (AOB and NOB). It uses highly specific rRNA-targeted gene probes for the direct identification, quantification, and visualization of both bacterial populations in real-time. This allows for precise process control of the facility..
AOBs shine red. NOBs shine weakly green, they are only present in small numbers and are barely active.
AOBs shine red, NOBs shine green. Both populations are active and optimally associated.
For on-site analysis using VIT® gene probe technology directly in your wastewater treatment plant's own laboratory, the specially developed VIT® test kits are available. Evaluation and monitoring are made simple with the help of the VIT® Vision Software. If no laboratory is available, wastewater analysis can also be carried out in the vermicon AG laboratory.
Test kits for on-site analysis:
Analysis in the laboratories of vermicon AG:
Anammox Analysis
Nitrifying Bacteria Analysis
Detailed Nitrifying Bacteria Analysis
Denitrifying Bacteria Analysis
Learn today how you can monitor the nitrification process of your biological wastewater treatment to achieve maximum operational safety and purification performance.
The advantages of the monitoring with VIT®
Effective direct monitoring of microorganisms
Early detection of irregularities and faults
Enables targeted process control
Increased operational reliability and stability of the wastewater treatment plant
Cost reduction thanks to timely and efficient use of countermeasures
Sustainable optimization of the cleaning performance
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Denitrification
The group of denitrifying bacteria is extremely diverse. Direct detection of the denitrifying bacteria in the process allows changes in the population to be identified before discharge limits are exceeded.
Anammox
The process of anaerobic ammonium oxidation is carried out by the so-called Anammox bacteria. Monitoring directly at the site of action provides the crucial advantage of optimally controlling the process.
VIT® Vision Software
With VIT® Vision, the entire biology of the wastewater treatment plant can be captured, analyzed, visualized, and quantified. The results can then be integrated into operational control to optimize operational safety.