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Heterotrophic-sulfur autotrophic denitrification (HAD) has been proposed to be a prospective nitrogen removal process. In this work, the potential of fermentation liquid (FL) from waste-activated sludge (WAS) as the electron donor for denitrification in the HAD system was explored and compared with other conventional carbon sources. Results showed that when FL was used as a carbon source, over 99% of NO 3 −-N was removed and its removal rate exceeded 14.00 mg N/g MLSS/h, which was significantly higher than that of methanol and propionic acid. The produced sulfate was below the limit value and the emission of N 2 O was low (1.38% of the NO 3 −-N). Microbial community analysis showed that autotrophic denitrifiers were predominated in the HAD system, in which Thiobacillus (16.4%) was the dominant genus. The economic analysis showed the cost of the FL was 0.062 €/m3, which was 30% lower than that in the group dosed with methanol. Our results demonstrated the FL was a promising carbon source for the HAD system, which could reduce carbon emission and cost, and offer a creative approach for waste-activated sludge resource reuse. [Display omitted] • Waste activated sludge FL could be an alternative carbon source for HAD systems. • FL achieved higher NO 3 −-N removal rate compared to methanol and propionic acid. • Low N 2 O emissions were achieved in the HAD systems used FL as carbon source. • The cost of the FL as carbon source was 30% lower than that of methanol. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Elemental sulfur autotrophic denitrification (S0AD) processes are temperature-sensitive, presenting a substantial challenge for the practical implementation of S0AD bioreactors. In this study, a comprehensive methodology for designing and operating S0AD bioreactors was developed, effectively managing fluctuations in nitrogen removal efficiency caused by seasonal temperature variations. Initially, the nitrate removal rate was correlated with simulated on-site temperature and nitrate loading, revealing correlation coefficients of k 1 , k 2 , k 3 , and A as 5.42 × 10 − 4 , −0.41, 0.04, and 0.13, respectively, to establish a mathematical model for predicting S0AD efficiency. Subsequently, by considering influence factors such as dissolved oxygen and dynamic sulfur consumption, the model was employed to accurately design a pilot-scale S0AD bioreactor for a case study. By utilizing an alternative multi-subunit operation, a stable effluent nitrate concentration of less than 8 mg-N/L was maintained throughout the year. Importantly, this approach resulted in a substantial reduction of 76.8% in excessive nitrate removal, sulfur consumption, and sulfate production. This study aims to provide an optimal design and operation strategy for the practical application of S0AD bioreactors, thereby enhancing reliability and cost-effectiveness in the face of seasonal temperature changes. • A mathematical model correlating temperature, nitrate loading, and nitrate removal rate was developed. • A multi-subunit strategy guided by model prediction was applied in a pilot-scale S0AD bioreactor. • Compliant nitrate removal across annual temperature range was achieved by multi-subunit operation. • Substantial reduction in excessive sulfur consumption and sulfate production was achieved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sulfur-packed beds (SPBs) have been increasingly incorporated into constructed wetland systems to overcome limitations in achieving satisfactory nitrate removal efficiency. However, the underlying impact of hydraulic regimes on SPB performance remains understudied. This study investigated the performance of a pilot-scale SPB, encompassing sulfur autotrophic denitrification (SAD) and sulfur disproportionation (SDP) processes, under various horizontal flow (HF) and vertical flow (VF) regimes. The HF regime exhibited superior SAD efficiency, achieving 3.1–4.4 mg-N/L of nitrate removal compared to 0.9–2.8 mg-N/L under VF regimes. However, greater sulfide production of 3.8–5.6 mg/L was observed, in contrast to only 1.5–2.3 mg/L under VF regimes when SDP occurred. Employing current computational fluid dynamics simulations could predict general regimes but lacked precision in detailing sulfur layer dynamics. In contrast, determining the spatial distribution of SAD substrates and SDP products offered a viable solution, revealing stagnate, short-circuit, and back flows. Moreover, the feasibility of an aeration approach to reduce sulfide emissions below 0.5 mg/L in case of accidental SDP occurrence was confirmed. This study offers a method for assessing detailed hydraulic regimes within SPBs. Additionally, it provides guidance on optimizing the packing of sulfur-based materials when implementing SPBs in constructed wetland systems and presents a strategy for mitigating excessive sulfide emissions. [Display omitted] • SAD and SDP processes were alternatively achieved in a pilot-scale SPB. • The detailed hydraulic regimes within the sulfur layer were determined. • Horizontal flow improved SAD efficiency but concurrently elevated SDP risk. • Equipping aeration devices was suggested to address sudden spikes in SDP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, a model framework was constructed to assess and predict nitrous oxide (N 2 O) production, substrate and microbe interactions in an anammox biofilm bioreactor. The anammox kinetics were extended by including kinetics of autotrophic soluble microbial products (SMP) formation, which consisted of utilization-associated products (UAP) and biomass-associated products (BAP). Heterotrophic bacteria growing on UAP, BAP and decay released substance (SS) were modelled to perform four-step sequential reductions from nitrate to dinitrogen gas. N 2 O was modelled as an intermidiate of heterotrophic denitrification via three pathways with UAP, BAP and SS as the electron donors. The developed model framework was evaluated using long-term operational data from an anammox biofilm reactor and satisfactorily reproduced effluent nitrogen and SMP as well as N 2 O emission factors under different operational conditions. The modeling results revealed that N 2 O was mainly produced with UAP as the electron donor while BAP and SS play minor roles. Heterotrophic denitrifiers growing on UAP would significantly contribute to N 2 O emission from anammox biofilm reactor even though heterotrophs only account for a relatively small fraction of active biomass in the anammox biofilm. Comprehensive simulations were conducted to investigate the effects of N loading rate and biofilm thickness, which indicated that maintaining a low N loading rate and a thick biofilm thickness were essential for high total nitrogen removal efficiency and low N 2 O emission. Image 1 • The model describes SMP production and three N 2 O pathways in anammox biofilm. • N 2 O via UAP serves as the main pathway, while BAP and SS pathways play minor roles. • SMP increased with decreasing N loading and increasing biofilm thickness. • A low N loading and a thick biofilm are crictial for high TN removal and low N 2 O. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]