Nutrient Removal In Cold Temperatures

Cold temperatures add another layer of challenges to nutrient removal. In this Water Online Radio interview, Martin Hildebrand, the president of Nelson Environmental, talks about the cold temperature applications in Canada and how new technology can help.

 “The nitro-fine bacteria are very susceptible to low temperatures,” says Hildebrand in the interview. “What happens is once you get down to about 7 degrees C (44 degrees F) conventional processes slow down significantly. Once you get down to about 5 degrees C (41 degrees F) they stop and nitrification stops. So with tightening regulations it’s becoming a very challenging thing to be able to remove ammonia at the cold temperatures.”

Nelson Environmental is focused on developing technologies that allow utilities to comply with these regulations, regardless of environmental conditions.

For example, in Canada, it is common for water to have a very low alkalinity level which makes it difficult for the nitrification bacteria to work. Nelson Environmental’s technologies work to adjust the water chemistry so that nitrification can be achieved.

To learn more click on the link below for the full radio interview