Assessment of the denitrification potential for biological nutrient removal processes using OUR/NUR measurements

The denitrification potential, a key parameter in nutrient removal activated sludge systems, is mathematically described in terms of mass balance expressions for different carbon sources, namely, easily biodegradable substrate, slowly biodegradable substrate and biomass. Mass balance was derived both for single-anoxic (pre-denitrification) and dual anoxic (Bardenpho) systems. Correction factors for anoxic growth were experimentally determined using respirometry for domestic sewage and meat processing wastewater. The denitrification potential expressions were evaluated for different process configurations such as pre-denitrification, Bardenpho process and University of Cape Town (UCT) process.