Assessment of nitrification - Denitrification potential of Istanbul domestic wastewaters

This paper summarizes experimental evaluations on Istanbul domestic wastewaters with respect to their potential of biological nitrogen removal. Characterization studies involve together with relevant carbonaceous and nitrogenous wastewater components, significant rate coefficients affecting aerobic and anoxic processes. Experimental results indicate a low biodegradable carbon to nitrogen ratio and a relatively small readily biodegradable COD fraction. A new method is introduced to determine maximum specific growth rate for autotrophic biomass. Correction factors for biological growth and hydrolysis under anoxic conditions are also assessed. The latter is found to be significantly higher than values proposed in the literature.