Led by: Severn Trent
Partners: Microvi Biotechnologies, Cranfield University, Jacobs
One of the biggest sources of greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs) from the water industry is nitrous oxide – 300 times more potent than carbon dioxide. It’s produced by bacteria that plays a vital role in removing toxic ammonia from wastewater. If ammonia isn’t removed, it damages aquatic life. Recently researchers have identified naturally occurring bacteria that can remove ammonia without producing nitrous oxide but these don’t ordinarily thrive in treatment plants. This project will develop innovative techniques for capturing these game-changing bacteria and putting them to work in our existing treatment processes.
A comprehensive review of target organisms has been completed, alongside their mechanisms and attributes towards N2O reduction, growth rates and availability. Materials Transfer Agreement between Cranfield and Microvi was executed and the process of shipping over biocatalyst to Cranfield for lab testing of two different biocatalysts is completed. The modifications needed on the pilot unit have been implemented and phase three is now completed. Microorganisms that produce less N2O or consume N2O have been identified and tested and batch-tested, with lab-scale continuous tests to follow. Simultaneously, the pilot plant is being amended to allow required stages (anoxic, aerobic) to take place and monitoring probes are being selected.
