Are there cheaper and more durable methods of removing Nitrate and Nitrite from borehole water other than ion exchange resins?
We are faced with very high concentrations of Nitrate and Nitrite in borehole water, far above permissible limits by WHO guidelines and Nigerian Industrial Standards (NIS) for drinking water.
Since Nitrates and Nitrites in drinking water cause the condition, called methemoglobinaemia which causes cyanosis and, at higher concentrations, asphyxia and children are at more risk than adults [Reference: WHO], how can I remove them?
Which technologies can I use to remove Nitrates and Nitrites other than using ion exchange resins?
What is the range of concentration of nitrate and nitrite?
A biological treatment could be used, e.g. autotrophic denitrification using sulphur-oxidising bacteria. Unlike ion exchange, this process does not produce a waste stream, other than a small amount of non-hazardous biomass sludge. This process produces acid, so limestone is often used to buffer the water.
Denitrification is a bacterial process where the oxygen combined in e.g. nitrate and nitrite can be used as the terminal electron acceptor in respiration but only in the absence of dissolved, molecular oxygen. However, even if there is dissolved oxygen in the water, it will soon be consumed once the process starts up and, because it will dissolve more slowly than the bacteria consume it, will be maintained at a low level that triggers nitrate/nitrite consumption.
If sulphur is used as the electron donor (energy source), then sulphate is produced. This ion is non-toxic and occurs in high concentration in many mineral waters. There is no WHO guideline limit for health, although it can be detected by taste above 500 mg/L. Therefore, unless the nitrite and nitrate concentration is extremely high, replacing these ions with sulphate will not cause a problem.
Sulphur should be easily and cheaply available in Nigeria, assuming that desulphurisation of petroleum is carried out locally.
Alternatively, organic matter can be used as the electron donor. However, as a microbiologist, I would be concerned about potential pathogens or toxin-producers growing in such a system.
Bonjour Les microbes sont des bactéries qui ont l'intelligence du Vivant. Dans un milieu où l'oxygène se fait rare, elles s'adaptent et réduisent leur mobilité et bien entendu leur travail qui va aussi de pair avec leur pérennisation.
Une concentration élevée d'une pollution X ou Y va les détruire. Il faut reprendre les bases de la biologie et du vivant. une adaptation s'effectue dans le temps, on parle de mutation. Cela ne peut se faire d'un coup de baguette magique à la demande.
Hello Microbes are bacteria that have the intelligence of the living. In an environment where oxygen is scarce, they adapt and reduce their mobility and of course their work which also goes hand in hand with sustainability.
A high concentration of pollution X or go to destroy them. Get the basics of biology and the living. an adaptation is made in time, we're talking about changing. This can be done a magic wand at the request.