Abstract
A comparison between three feasible ways of developing Biological Nitrogen Removal (BNR) via nitrite to treat real reject water of 800-900 mg NH4 +-N l−1 is proposed. A Sequencing Batch Reactor (SBR) and a chemostat SHARON (Single reactor High activity Ammonium Removal Over Nitrite) continuous reactor were operated. In the SBR operation 0.8 kg N (d m3)−1 was achieved, whereas in SHARON/denitrification the removal reached was 0.4 kg N (d m3)−1. SHARON was also developed with partial nitrification of ammonium in order to obtain a stream ready for Anammox (Anaerobic Ammonia Oxidation) process obtaining an effluent with an average composition of 400 mg NO2 −N l−1 and 350 mg NH4 +-N l−1