DENITRIFICATION AND NEUTRALIZATION WITH AN ELECTROCHEMICAL AND BIOLOGICAL REACTOR

Denitrifying microorganisms were immobilized with a sodium alginate ge l on a cathode electrode, and electric current was applied using a car bon electrode as the anode. Biological reductions of nitrate through t he use of H-2 at the cathode and formations of inorganic carbons at th e anode were observed. Experimental results showed that oxidation of c arbon electrode to CO2 was favorable for developing anoxic conditions and to neutralize alkalinity formed during denitrification. Several vo lts of potential was needed to operate the reactor.