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How to remove nitrates from water safely

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Ignacio del Rey

Published on 4 August 2020

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Nitrate removal is part of the water chemistry. The most complete process is an oxidative microbial process by means of bacteria autotrophic bacteria in which ammonium is converted to nitrate (nitrification) and then heterotrophic bacteria convert nitrate through reduction to nitrogen gas (denitrification).

Nitrates are toxic to humans and it decontrols the growth of fields especially if they are reduced to NO2.

The process of nitrification also consumes carbon for the production of bacteria and denitrification consumes these bacteria. The whole process modifies the pH and alkalinity.

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In many cases, the water in WWTP comes with very high levels of nitrates so they could very easily be removed through denitrification alone.

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There are 2 general techniques for removal, separation techniques and processing techniques. The separation techniques are resin and osmosis filters, and the most effective processing technique recommended by Tiloom is biological removal.

The system can be supported with activated carbon or claysIt needs energy to move the water that will be stored for later use in the field.

Biological denitrification is highly effective and economical to maintain. Essentially the water enters with a NO3- pollutant and heterotrophic bacteria in an anaerobic environment convert the NO3- into nitrogen gas which is released into the atmosphere. The result is water without the pollutant, or with a more reasonable concentration (<50mg/l).