Abstract |
A study of nitrification in a flowing experimental ecosystem was used to test a simple mathematical model. In the experiment, ammonia was introduced into the channel under varying flow and mixing conditions. Dissolved O2 and CO2, pH, and the inorganic nitrogen series (total ammonia, NO2-, and NO3-) were measured. The model assumed first order kinetics for transformation of the ammonia to NO3-. Stoichiometric coupling of nitrification was assumed. The model worked better for higher flows and turbulence levels and it was concluded that some of the simplifying assumptions that were not met were important at the low flow conditions. |