Work

Toward scalable and sustainable solid-phase denitrification: Materials, interfacial regulation, and mass transfer-microbiology coupling in bioreactors

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Nitrogen removal from low C/N wastewater is often limited by insufficient electron donors. Liquid carbon sources can rapidly supplement carbon but suffer from dosing, storage, and operational stability concerns, promoting interest in solid-phase denitrification (SPD) based on solid carbon sources (SCSs). However, SCSs still face limitations such as uncontrolled carbon release, inadequate mechanical durability, limited substrate accessibility, and high polymer cost. Modification strategies such as physical blending, chemical modification, and surface functionalization have been developed to improve carbon release regulation, structural stability, substrate accessibility, and microbial attachment. Nevertheless, conventional fixed-bed or packed-bed SPD systems remain constrained by diffusion resistance, biofilm overgrowth, clogging, and inefficient carbon utilization. To address these challenges, this review proposes an Advanced Carbon Source-Particle Enhanced Bioreactor (ACS-PEBR) framework, which couples engineered ACS particles with fluidized operation. Within this framework, ACS particles serve as both carbon donors and biofilm carriers, while fluidization enhances liquid-solid contact, biofilm renewal, and interfacial mass transfer. This review critically summarizes SCS materials, modification strategies, microbial enrichment, reactor engineering, and the proposed mass-transfer and kinetic basis of ACS-PEBRs. Finally, key research priorities are outlined for translating ACS-PEBRs from conceptual design toward scalable and sustainable SPD applications.

Source: Journal of Water Process Engineering

DOI: 10.1016/j.jwpe.2026.110407

Authors: Siyuan Yin, Yuanyuan Shao, Jesse Zhu

Institutions: Western University, Tianjin University, University of Nottingham Ningbo China, Eastern Institute of Technology, Ningbo

Language: English

Topic: Wastewater Treatment and Nitrogen Removal

Subfield: Pollution

Field: Environmental Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Clean water and sanitation, Responsible consumption and production, Climate action

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,350