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Understanding process densification and fundamentals of nitrification inhibition in pure o — NSF Award to University of Utah (UT,

Municipal wastewater treatment plants often use the activated sludge process, which relies on groups of bacteria to remove harmful pollutants from wastewater. These bacteria break down organic matter and ammonia into safer substances, helping protect rivers, lakes, and human health. To keep the bacteria alive and worki

Award titleUnderstanding process densification and fundamentals of nitrification inhibition in pure o
Award ID2602319
AwardeeUniversity of Utah
CitySALT LAKE CITY
StateUT
Amount obligated$468,590
Principal investigatorRamesh Goel
ProgramEnvE-Environmental Engineering
Start date06/01/2026
AbstractMunicipal wastewater treatment plants often use the activated sludge process, which relies on groups of bacteria to remove harmful pollutants from wastewater. These bacteria break down organic matter and ammonia into safer substances, helping protect rivers, lakes, and human health. To keep the bacteria alive and working, air is pumped into the water to provide oxygen. However, this aeration step uses a large amount of energy—about 50–90% of the electricity used in treatment—because oxygen does
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