Augmenting wastewater processes with cultures
of nitrifying bacteria can increase abundance and
nitrification efficiency correspondingly. Additionally,
implementing organic matter degrading microbiology
in a system can increase the time available for bacteria
to oxidize ammonia.1 The following case study describes
the efficacy of BioLynceus® bioaugmentation for
improving nitrification in an activated sludge system
with fixed media trickling filters.
direct feeding of the trickling filter with activated sludge mixed
liquor to conduct better ammonia removal. Inoculation point of
case study bioaugmentation is indicated (Modified from Soriano
et al. 2014).1
1 Soriano, A. G., Audic, J. M., McCarley, S., Ekama, G., & Wentzel, M. (2014).
Options for the Upgrading of WWTP’s by Means of Trickling Filters.
Retrieved at https://www.researchgate.net/publication/228598263_
OPTIONS_FOR_THE_UPGRADING_OF_WWTP%27s_BY_MEANS_
A 0.2 MGD municipal activated sludge plant in Oregon
was having issues with high ammonia concentrations
in the treated wastewater. Nitrifying bacteria in the
trickling filters were inhibited by undesirable wastewater
conditions experienced during the summer months.
Influent flows were low and varying in temperature
and pH. Inconsistencies in the physical wastewater
conditions impaired nitrification causing high effluent
ammonia concentrations. The management at the
facility was concerned with violating their ammonia
permit.
1 Kirchman, D. L. (2012). Processes in Microbial Ecology. New York:
Oxford University Press Inc. Pp. 228, 229.
In need of a solution to promote ammonia removal,
the supervisor at the plant contacted BioLynceus®. A
specialized bioaugmentation plan was designed for
the facility. ProBiotic Scrubber® N (PBN), a live culture
product abundant in nitrifying bacteria and organic
substrate degrading microbes, was implemented just
ahead of the plant trickling filters.
After a few days of treatment, the biology in the system
was properly nitrifying. Ammonia concentrations in
the effluent were decreased. Additionally, BioLynceus®
bioaugmentation helped the plant stay in compliance
with their ammonia permit. The activated sludge facility
continued to use PBN from May to October to promote
efficient nitrification in their trickling filters.
Establishing an effective community of nitrifying
bacteria in wastewater treatment systems can be
challenging. This process is most efficient in the
correct environmental conditions, excluding extreme
temperatures and pH. Beyond the physical factors
impacting nitrification in wastewater processes,
maintaining a high abundance of nitrifying and organic
matter degrading organisms is essential for optimal
ammonia conversion. Nitrification is often the ratelimiting
reaction in wastewater treatment.2 This
process has low energetic yield for nitrifying bacteria
which impacts growth rates and abundance. Because
of this, these bacteria require a high residence time
in the aerobic process to oxidize ammonia properly.
Bioaugmentation, like the treatment used in the case
study above, can be a helpful solution to improve
nitrification in activated sludge processes.
2 Gerardi, M. (2016). Wastewater Bioaugmentation and Biostimulation.
Lancaster, Pennsylvania: DEStech Publications, Inc. Pp. 20, 64.
BioLynceus® ProBiotic Scrubber® N promotes nitrification in activated sludge processes.