Autotrophic nutrient removal as alternative to heterotrophic processes to diminish greenhouse gas emissions in the wastewater sector

Launching of a semi-industrial pilot wastewater treatment plant based on anaerobic ammonium oxidizing nitrogen removal will be done during the project in Kenyatta Wastewater Treatment Plant in Kenya using autotrophic bacteria and controlled operating parameters and maintainance of optimal microbial community. Autotrophic bacteria help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions (CO2, N2O, CH4) that are commonly generated in wastewater treatment by denitrifying heterptrophic bacteria. After the project's funding period, Kenya and other developing countries will continue to implement an effective wastewater treatment process, promote technology and conduct relevant research. The parameters that inhibit the nitrogen removal process are also identified: ammonia, nitric acid, alkalinity, the values ​​of which depend on the pH. A significant increase in the efficiency of the anammox process and a stable nitrogen removal efficiency of more than 50% are achieved with similar decrease in greenhouse gases to benefit local water treatment quality enhancement as well as energy conservation.