The NitrEL system uses an electrochemical cell to remove nitrate and ammonia from water. The process is based on electrochemical redox reactions that convert the nitrate and ammonia to N 2 gas.
Electrochemical Reduction
ENPAR has demonstrated the feasibility of using electrochemical principles to treat nitrate contaminated groundwater based on the electrochemical reduction of nitrate to nitrogen gas at the cathode of an electrochemical cell. The cathodic reactions that predominate in a cell are a function of electrode material and cell operating parameters, such as current density and electrode potential. Cell operating conditions can be controlled to promote the desired reaction.
Electrochemical Oxidation
The reduction of nitrate to nitrogen gas can only occur in combination with oxidizing reactions. Various species are oxidized at the anode, including ammonia, to provide electrons for the reduction reactions.
Overall Net Effect
The NitrEL system reduces nitrate and ammonia concentrations in water by electrochemically reducing the nitrate to nitrogen gas at the cathode of an electrochemical cell and by electrochemically oxidizing the ammonia to nitrogen gas and the anode of an electrochemical cell. The environmentally friendly N 2 gas is then free to enter the atmosphere (air is 78% nitrogen) where it has no negative environmental impact .
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