Page 15 - Simplified Wastewater Treatment Fundamentals_BNR
P. 15
Biological Nutrient Reduction (BNR)
Nitrosomonas and Nitrobacter produce Nitric Acid, which lowers pH. If the pH falls below
6.8, the nitrification process is hampered or stops.
As a result of Nitric Acid production during the nitrification process, alkalinity is needed to
maintain a pH range of 6.8 to 7.5.
Sources of alkalinity include lime, sodium hydroxide, or magnesium hydroxide. The
Operator must provide 7.14 pounds of alkalinity for every pound of ammonia in the influent
wastewater.
