Nitrate Removal (NO3-) from Different Sources of Water by Laboratory-Scale Reactor Biofilters with Anaerobic Condition

Abstract

The aim of this study was to identify the pollution of (NO3-) for some different water sources, whether surface or groundwater. The study included (3) water sources from lakes collected behind some dams or valleys. As well as the number of (13) sources of groundwater wells and the depths of these wells ranging from 10-200 m, and from concentrating the nitrates in the water. Designed a laboratory treatment unit for the purpose of bio-removal of nitrates, this unit operated under a Vertical Flow Biofilter (VFB), and a unit operating under the anaerobic system, with the use of support materials inside the unit (gravel and PVC). To grow bacteria and the form of Biofilm, the unit was operated under a Hydroelectric Retention Time (HRT) for 4 days. The samples were collected every four days from the treatment unit. The results showed that nitrate concentration is significantly higher in groundwater than in surface water, with a concentration ranging from 0.7 to 190 ppm. Finally, nitrate disposal after treatment reached (76.1%).