The Influence of Liquid Manure Additives on Nitrification in Biological Wastewater Treatment

Abstract

For farmers, there is the possibility of using liquid manure additives to increase their yields. Nitrification inhibitors represent one form of additives. They should delay or inhibit the conversion of ammonium to nitrite respectively nitrate, so this important nutrient will remain in the soil for a longer time. Ammonium functions as the main nitrogen source for plants. The implementation of an inhibition test using two different substances, which exist as liquid manure additives on the market, shows possible effects of nitrification inhibitors on biological wastewater treatment. An impairment of activities of the two types of nitrifying bacteria Nitrosomonas, Nitrobacter and Nitrospira can be observed.