Effects of La3+, Ce3+ on nitrogen removal in sequencing batch reactor.

Batch experiments were conducted to study the short-term biological effects of rare earth ions (La³⁺, Ce³⁺) and their mixture on the nitrogen removal in a sequencing batch reactor (SBR). The data showed that higher NH₄ ⁺-N removal rate, total inorganic nitrogen removal efficiency, and denitrification efficiency were achieved at lower concentrations of rare earth elements (REEs) (<1 mg/L). In the first hour of the aeration stage of SBR, the presence of REEs increased the total inorganic nitrogen removal efficiency and NH₄ ⁺-N removal efficiency by 15.7% and 10%–15%, respectively. When the concentrations of REEs were higher than 1 mg/L, the total inorganic nitrogen removal efficiency decreased, and nitrate was found to accumulate in the effluent. When the concentrations of REEs was up to 50.0 mg/L, the total inorganic nitrogen removal efficiency was less than 30% of the control efficiency with a high level of nitrate. Lower concentrations of REEs were found to accelerate the nitrogen conversion and removal in SBR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]