Hydrogenotrophic denitrification of highly saline aquaculture wastewater using hollow fiber membrane bioreactor.

A hydrogenotrophic denitrification system with a hollow fiber membrane was evaluated for treating and recycling synthetic aquaculture wastewater. Hollow fibers ensured bubble-less diffusion of hydrogen and subsequent removal of nitrate from the first bioreactor. The second aerobic reactor was used for biomass filtration and removal of organic matter. Nitrate and organic matter expressed as dissolved organic carbon were 50 mgl(-1) and 20 mgl(-1), respectively, in the inlet. Acclimatization of hydrogenotrophic bacteria to 10, 20 and 30 ppt of salinity was also observed. Optimum hydraulic retention time and denitrification rate corresponding to these salinities were 3, 5 and 6 h and 366.8, 226.2 and 193.2 gm(-3) day(-1), respectively.