How NitrEL Works
The NitrEL system uses an electrochemical cell to remove nitrate and ammonia from water. The primary designs are in-situ and ex-situ applications of the technology.
The in-situ application utilizes a "fence" of electrodes inserted into the ground. The system converts dissolved nitrate to gaseous nitrogen as contaminated groundwater passes through the fence. For ex-situ applications, water is pumped through an electrochemical reactor.
Electrochemical Reduction
ENPAR confirmed 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 manipulated 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.
Net Effect
The NitrEL system reduces nitrate and ammonia concentrations by converting the
nitrate and ammonia to nitrogen gas.
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