What is the efficiency of nitrogen oxidation in terms of oxygen requirement?

The efficiency of nitrogen oxidation in terms of oxygen requirement refers to the amount of oxygen needed to fully oxidize ammonia nitrogen (NH3-N) into nitrate (NO3-N) during the wastewater treatment process. The correct answer indicates that 1 pound of NH3-N requires 4.6 lbs of oxygen to accomplish this transformation.

This requirement is derived from the biochemical processes involved in ammonium oxidation, which typically includes both the conversion of ammonia to nitrite and then nitrite to nitrate. The stoichiometric relationships define that a certain amount of oxygen is necessary to facilitate these reactions.

Understanding this value is crucial for treatment plant operators, as it helps in designing aeration systems and ensuring adequate oxygen supply to maintain effective nitrification processes. If the oxygen supply is not sufficient, the nitrification process may be incomplete, leading to poor wastewater treatment and potential environmental issues.