Comparison of different carbon sources for ground water denitrification

Environ Technol. 2004 Sep;25(9):1041-9. doi: 10.1080/09593330.2004.9619397.

Abstract

This study presents a comparison of denitrification rates and denitrification stoichiometry when using different sources of carbon. Denitrification tests were carried out in test bottles containing water and soil samples acquired at a nitrate-contaminated site and supplemented with either sucrose, acetate or ethanol. The tests demonstrated nitrate removal in all carbon source supplemented bottles. The rate of denitrification and the required amount of a carbon source, however, depended on the choice of substrate. Ethanol and acetate were found to provide the highest denitrification rate, that of 1.4 - 1.6 mg-N l(-1) d(-1). Sucrose-supplemented bottles demonstrated a significantly slower denitrification rate, that of 0.6 - 0.9 mg-N l(-1) d(-1). In addition to slow denitrification rates, sucrose-supported denitrification required more carbon source.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study

MeSH terms

  • Acetates / chemistry*
  • Acetates / metabolism
  • Bacteria / growth & development
  • Bacteria / metabolism
  • Biodegradation, Environmental
  • Colony Count, Microbial
  • Ethanol / chemistry*
  • Ethanol / metabolism
  • Fresh Water / chemistry
  • Nitrates / analysis*
  • Soil Pollutants / analysis
  • Sucrose / chemistry*
  • Sucrose / metabolism
  • Time Factors
  • Water Pollutants, Chemical / analysis
  • Water Purification / methods*

Substances

  • Acetates
  • Nitrates
  • Soil Pollutants
  • Water Pollutants, Chemical
  • Ethanol
  • Sucrose