This powerpoint presentation begins by providing a brief overview of ammonia and biological treatment. Study objectives were to: characterize a full-scale biologically active filter
using molecular techniques to identify major
genera present and determine those responsible
for nitrification; design and operate pilot filters under controlled
conditions to evaluate the role of operational
conditions on functionality; and,
observe microbial population changes in
response to operating conditions in the pilot filters. Methods:
ICP-MS and ICP-AES; SmartChem-Colorimetry; EM, XRD, EDS; and, benchwork. Molecular methods: culture-independent 16s rDNA gene (11F,
1492R), Ammonia
monooxygenase gene
(AOB and AOA), Aerobic arsenite
oxidase gene; and, culture-dependent HPC, E. coli, enteroccoci, aerobic endospores, and arsenite oxidizers. Biological active filtration was found to be an efficient and sustainable
technology for treatment of source waters with elevated
ammonia:
rapid recovery from backwash;
insensitive to changes in operating conditions;
oxidize ammonia >90% with complete conversion to
nitrate;
no pathogenic organisms/indicators;
lower operating costs;
nitrosomonas and Nitrospira are the major genera
involved in nitrification; and,
79% of 16s diversity driven by singletons, 44% in
amoA. Includes figures.