Experimental determination of Anammox decay coefficient

This paper describes an experimental method used to evaluate the anaerobic ammonium oxidation (Anammox) decay coefficient by means of a batch test. The test was carried out using an experimental procedure based on manometric measurements of the dinitrogen gas that is produced by the Anammox process. The accuracy of the procedure had previously been assessed, and the method was used to determine the specific Anammox activity (SAA mg N-2-N g VSS-1 d(-1),) and the maximum nitrogen production rate (MNPR, NmL N-2 L-1 d(-1)) under several different conditions. A specific batch test, which lasted for 148 days, was performed to assess the decay coefficient. The activity decrease was monitored and the estimated value of the decay coefficient was found to be 0.0048 d(-1) at 35 degrees C, for which the corresponding half-life time of the Anammox biomass was 145 days. This value is higher than other values reported in the literature, but in accordance with the slow growth rate of the Anammox bacteria. (C) 2009 Society of Chemical Industry