Research progress on the effect of carbon source on biological denitrification in nitrogen-containing wastewater

doi:10.3969/j.issn.1000-5641.2026.01.010

Abstract

Abstract:

As a stable nitrogen pollutant, nitrate is widely present in water, and high quantities can cause harm to the environment and to human health. Heterotrophic denitrification technology is commonly used in nitrogen-containing wastewater treatment because it is economical and efficient. The carbon source plays a very important role in this process as an electron donor. When the carbon source in the system is insufficient, an external carbon source needs to be added to ensure the denitrification effect. The denitrification rate of liquid carbon sources is high, because they can be directly used by microorganisms without hydrolysis or simple conversion, and the electron donor transfer is rapid, the path is simple, and the reaction speed is fast. However, the control accuracy is high, and excessive dosing can easily lead to excessive effluent DOC and secondary pollution. The denitrification rate of solid carbon sources is relatively low, and they need to be hydrolyzed or enzymatically hydrolyzed into small molecular organic matter before use. The carbon source is slowly released, and the electron donor transfer path is complex but more durable and stable, which can reduce the risk of carbon source waste and secondary pollution. In terms of microbial community, liquid carbon sources have a single component, which makes it easier for the microorganisms relying on these carbon sources to become the dominant flora and reduces community diversity. The carbon-release process of solid carbon sources is complex, which can enrich diverse functional bacteria and lead to higher community diversity. In terms of equipment and cost, liquid carbon sources need a high-precision control system, with high equipment costs; the solid-phase carbon-source process is simple and does not require complex dosing equipment. The price of natural materials is low; the cost of synthesizing polymers is high; and blockage problems may arise.

Key words: biological denitrification, nitrogen removal, carbon source, microbiological population, electron transfer

CLC Number:

X523

Hanlin WANG, Jiale LI, Yihui DONG, Zhanxue SUN, Jun’ao WANG, Yuxin HUANG. Research progress on the effect of carbon source on biological denitrification in nitrogen-containing wastewater[J]. J* E* C* N* U* N* S*, 2026, 2026(1): 110-119.

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碳源	碳氮比	进水总氮浓度/(mg·L^–1)	出水总氮浓度/(mg·L^–1)	水力停留时间/h	pH值	温度/℃	反硝化率/%	参考文献
稻秆	20	100	2.0	12	7.0	20	98	[22]
丝瓜络	7	30	4.0	10	7.5	25	86	[15]
玉米芯	6	20	5.0	72	7.0	25	75	[23]
木薯酒糟	6	40	1.5	48	7.0	30	96	[24]
PHBV	5	15	0.5	2	7.5	25	98	[18]
PCL	3	35	2.0	35	7.2	30	94	[20]
PCL/花生壳	5	20	1.8	25	7.5	25	92	[25]

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