Comparisons of Organic Sources for Denitrification: Biodegradability, Denitrification Rates, Kinetic Constants and Practical Implication for Their Application in WWTPs

The aim of this paper is to present a comprehensive and critical literature review on alternative carbon sources for supporting denitrification in wastewater treatment. In addition, the results of a characterization study to compare denitrification rates and kinetics among diverse class of carbon sources (pure compounds, industrial wastes and a proprietary product) and to discuss the methods that are generally applied for denitrification evaluation, is also presented. Demonstration of the implication of the difference in denitrification rates and kinetics on BNR performance in real practice through modeling, and the identification of the key aspects of consideration for selecting an appropriate alternative carbon for denitrification in wastewater treatment, including also cost and availability, effects on effluent quality, potential issues related to storage and transportation, are also discussed.