In conjunction with the Virginia Tech Scieneering Program and the National Science Foundation (NSF) Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU), we spent the summer in Blacksburg, Virginia testing nutrient levels in water and researching ways to reduce nutrient levels in local water. By the end of eight weeks, we sampled various ponds and springs for initial nutrient levels, as well as designed and built a lab-scale denitrifying bio-reactor (DNBR) to test four different types of carbon media in order to reduce nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) levels in water. We were lucky to work under phenomenal advisors and faculty and accomplish great research in such a short amount of time. Please check out the other pages to see the progression of our project from sampling to design to testing and finally, results!
Objectives:
The primary objectives of the research project were to:
Objectives:
The primary objectives of the research project were to:
- Collect snapshot values of nitrogen and phosphorus levels in local ponds and springs.
- Determine the best location for installation of a DNBR.
- Assess removal rate efficiency of various media (woodchips, biochar).
- Evaluate whether or not pre-inoculation of DNBR with denitrifying bacteria enhances denitrification rates.