In the sewage water treatment aerobic systems oxygen is a fundamental element for the bacterial mass to be able to metabolize organic matter and oxidize compounds such as ammonia. Respirometry can be used in the follow-up of such process. The goals of this research are: (1) to assess the influence of interrupting aeration under Bardenpho-type systems bacterial activity; (2) to study on the influence of pH in the oxidative capacity of nitrifying bacteria; (3) to establish the ideal pH rate for developing nitrifying bacteria; (4) to observe the reliability of respirometry in monitoring the bacterial activity. The conclusions achieved were that (1) the metabolic capacity is gradually reduced as a longer period without aeration is applied, (2) the pH directly influenced the activity of nitrifying bacteria in a distinct manner for both nitrite and nitrate oxidation, and (3) respirometry was a very useful tool for assessing bacterial activity and activated sludge systems.
Bardenpho; respirometry; aeration interruption; nitrification process
