Denitrification: The Anoxic Mixtures Process

Anoxic mixtures are mainly used in the denitrification process in wastewater treatment plants. The bacteria are used to break down the nitrate that is present in the wastes into oxygen. Once broken down, the nitrate will release nitrogen and oxygen gas. The oxygen is then consumed by the bacteria leaving behind the nitrogen gas. Because the aim to have the bacteria break down the nitrate into oxygen, no oxygen is introduced into the basin (Anoxic Mixtures, 2019). The bacteria first consumes any present oxygen to get more energy before breaking down the nitrate into oxygen. During the anoxic mixer process, the solid substances are suspended to provide complete control of the basin. It also involves the breakdown of nitrate by the bacteria to release the nitrogen and then eliminate any air, especially oxygen. The oxygen produced during the breakdown of nitrate is also consumed by the bacteria to gain more energy. The denitrification process involves the treatment of water wastes by converting nitrate into nitrogen gas and the reduction of nitrogen present to acceptable levels before it can be discharged to the environment. To lower the nitrogen level, it is necessary that an anoxic environment is created which will facilitate the bacteria to break down the nitrate into oxygen ( Anoxic Mixers for Denitrification, 2019 ). Creating an anoxic environment requires the use of an unaerated tank where the level of oxygen has been kept very low while also suspending any solid substances. The outcome of the breakdown process involves the release of oxygen which is consumed by the bacteria and nitrogen gas which is released to the atmosphere. The bacteria usually obtain the oxygen as either free or the one that has been dissolved. However, the deprivation of oxygen will the breakdown of the nitrate and leads to a favorable anoxic environment which facilitates the whole process of denitrification. 

References  

Anoxic Mixers. (2019). Retrieved from https://www.chemineer.com/anoxic-mixers.html 

Anoxic Mixers for Denitrification | Dynamix Agitators. (2019). Retrieved from https://www.dynamixinc.com/optimizing-an-anoxic-mixer-for-denitrification