More information
Description
The aim of this Project is to create an innovative Technology that will allow to achieve mainstream shortcut nitrification/denitrification via nitrite at municipal wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). Achieving this objective will significantly reduce oxygen and organic carbon demand for nitrogen removal process, improve effluent quality and increase digester gas production. This Technology also includes a development of separate reactor for sludge disintegration with nitrous acid to aim easy biodegradable organic carbon for denitrification process improvement, which is usually limited by organic carbon available in raw wastewater. This Technology will therefore lead to lower energy consuption, better effluent quality and lower greenhouse gas emission. Those goals are perfectly suited in nowadays needs and EU policies. This project will benefit operators of wastewater treatment plants as well as scientific community by deepening our understanding of wastewater treatment biological processes and developing technology for better and less expensive wastewater treatment.
Summary of project results
The SNIT project aimed to develop technologies that enable more efficient nitrogen removal and reduced energy consumption at wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs).
The primary focus was on the nitritation/denitritation process in the mainstream reactor of WWTPs, considered one of
the most promising solutions. This process reduces oxygen consumption by 40% and organic compound usage by 25%, while enhancing
nitrogen removal efficiency. This improvement is due to better availability of organic carbon for denitrification. Achieving nitritation/denitritation
requires the removal of nitrite-oxidizing bacteria, which was planned through their susceptibility to free nitrous acid (FNA) combined with other
factors. Additionally, SNIT technology maintains low final nitrite concentrations and potentially improves WWTP energy balance by enhancing
energy production through FNA disintegration before the anaerobic co-digestion of sewage and fish sludge.
Project was successfully completed, resulting in solutions with commercial potential. Two patent-pending components emerged, while other findings were presented at conferences and published in scientific journals. The project fostered beneficial international R&D cooperation between Polish and Norwegian partners, facilitating knowledge and skills transfer. The outcomes of the SNIT project provide a robust foundation for the commercialization of the technology and further development of its
components in future R&D projects.
Summary of bilateral results
The project greatly benefited from having a Norwegian partner. Partner provided essential expertise and resources that were crucial for theproject''s success especially in the sector of sludge management. There was a significant exchange of knowledge and skills, enhancing thecapabilities of all parties involved. Therefore, the collaboration fostered innovative approaches and solutions to the project''s challenges and ledto significant advancements in the objectives. The collaboration resulted in co-authored publications, disseminating the findings to a wideraudience showcasing the project''s achievements.Moreover, the collaboration enhanced technical skills and understanding among team members. Organized during project duration projectmeetings and common events also promoted cultural exchange and mutual understanding, enriching the working environment and fosteringbetter teamwork. The partnership led to the adoption of improved methodologies and best practices from both countries.Results:- The bilateral collaboration led to improved project outcomes,.- Partners experienced significant capacity building, and gaining experience in new rese techniques.- The partnership emphasized sustainable practices not only in relation to technical issues but also project management itself, which wereintegrated into the project framework.- The project intent to influence policy-making processes, particularly in areas related to the use of renewable energy profitable wastes.- The collaboration had a positive impact on young researchers taking part in the project or supporting it at any level. It boosted their knowledgeand was opportunity to experience the work in international team.There are plans to continue the collaboration in future projects, building on the successful partnership. Potential joint ventures are beingexplored.