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 Oxidizer (AOB)
The AOBs oxidize ammonium to nitrite. The group of AOBs includes Nitrosospira spp. and Nitrosomonas spp. Optimal conditions for these bacteria are ensured by precise control of the aeration and other process parameters.
Nitrite Oxidizers (NOB)
The NOBs oxidize nitrite to nitrate. They have different tolerance limits to nitrite, i.e. they are inhibited by nitrite above a certain concentration. For this reason, it is very important that the two groups of AOBs and NOBs work together optimally.
Role of Socialization
The close association of the two groups of bacteria is necessary because, on the one hand, the AOBs provide the NOBs with nitrite as a substrate. On the other hand, it is important for the AOBs that the nitrite, which is toxic in high concentrations, is removed by the NOBs.
Why Is Microbiological Monitoring So Important?
For stable nitrification, the bacteria groups responsible for the process must be present in sufficient quantities in the sludge and be optimally associated. Microbiological analysis of the bacteria involved in nitrification is therefore essential for process stability in wastewater treatment plants. As nitrifying bacteria are sensitive to fluctuations, their continuous monitoring is crucial to prevent nitrification breakdowns, reduce operating costs and ensure compliance with legal requirements. By directly detecting the AOBs and NOBs, even the slightest changes in their population can be detected at an early stage before the limit values in the effluent are exceeded.
How can Nitrifiers Be Monitored?
The VIT® gene probe technology enables the effective monitoring of the microorganisms involved (AOB and NOB). It uses highly specific rRNA-targeted gene probes to directly identify, quantify and visualize both bacterial populations in real time. This enables precise process control of the plant.
The specially developed VIT® test kits are available for analysis with VIT® gene probe technology directly on site in the wastewater treatment plant's own laboratory. Evaluation and monitoring are easily carried out using the VIT® Vision software. If no laboratory is available, the wastewater analysis can also be carried out in the vermicon AG laboratory.
Analysis In the vermicon AG Laboratories: | Test Kits For On-Site Analysis: |
Find out today how you can monitor the nitrification process of your biological wastewater treatment to achieve maximum operational safety and treatment performance.
The Advantages of the VIT® Monitoring
Effective direct monitoring of the microorganisms | |
Continuous monitoring of the relevant process engineering parameters | |
Early detection of deviations 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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