A ll organisms require nitrogen to live. It is fourth in place behind oxygen, carbon and hydrogen as the most common chemical element in living tissues. But in excessive amounts, nitrogen alters ecosystems and contributes to environmental problems. Assistant Professor Daniel Noguera is investigating the microbial ecology of aerated-anoxic biological treatment processes for removal of nitrogen from wastewater. His results will provide insight into design of processes and their use in treatment systems ultimately reducing adverse effects of excessive nitrogen discharge into environmental waters.
Nitrification is an aerobic process and denitrification is an anaerobic process.
Noguera's team is investigating a system in which tiny amounts of oxygen are added to the anoxic step allowing nitrification and denitrification to occur simultaneously. The amount of oxygen added is so small that it is difficult to measure and is immediately absorbed by the system. Noguera is testing various hypotheses that could explain exactly how the oxygen aids the process and which organisms absorb it. The work could lead to more efficient removal of nitrogen from wastewaters. Building a legacy of improved transportation B ottlenecks, potholes and traffic volume are among the targets of a Wisconsin-wide research effort led by Professor Peter J. Bosscher .