Denitrifying characteristics of the multiple stages enhanced biological nutrient removal process with external carbon sources.

This research investigated denitrifying activity of activated sludge with three external carbon sources (sodium acetate, methanol and glucose) via a series of batch experiments. Activated sludge used was cultivated in a multiple stages enhanced biological nutrient removal (EBNR) process that exhibited high removal efficiency of effective carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus. Results showed type of external carbon source had a significant influence on specific nitrate utilization rate, nitrite accumulation, adaptive time of microorganisms, and nitrate removal efficiency.