Biosensors for nitrogen control in wastewaters

Abstract

The control of nitrogen removal processes in activated sludge systems requires not only on-line values of the parameters such as ammonium, nitrate and nitrite, but also an evaluation on the nitrifying and denitrifying biomass activity, influent toxicity and carbon source requirements for denitrification. This paper describes four different biosensors, two on denitrification and two on nitrification. They all measure the biological activity of the nitrifying or denitrifying bacteria. Three of them measure nitrogen and carbon species, the fourth biosensor measures influent toxicity. These instruments open new perspectives for efficient on-line monitoring of wastewater treatment plants.