Advancing Denitrifying Bioreactors as a Beneficial Management Practice for Agricultural Drainage Waters in Alberta

This study evaluated the performance of pilot-scale denitrifying bioreactors for removing dissolved nutrients under Alberta agricultural field conditions at two representative geographic locations. Results demonstrated operating conditions which maximized nitrate removal efficiency.

Project at a Glance

Funding Recipient: Alberta Agriculture & Irrigation
Website: Visit their website
Funding Awarded: $106,250
Project Duration: Mar 15, 2019 – Oct 31, 2022
Sector: Environment
Program: Water Innovation Program

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Bioreactor substrates were sourced from local materials and included wood chips, hemp straw, and barley straw. The substrates were tested under varying retention times (flow rates) and air temperatures during yearround operation from the beginning of the irrigation season in the spring to the end of irrigation season in fall for nutrient removal potential. Results from this study identified air temperature, flow rate, carbon source material and bioreactor age as primary factors affecting nitrate removal.