When temperatures drop, wastewater systems that typically run smoothly in warm weather can quickly unravel into compliance issues. Cold weather significantly slows biological activity—especially in nitrifying bacteria (nitrifiers), which are essential for carrying out the critical steps of the nitrification process. Maintaining adequate nitrification is essential for meeting nitrogen-related permit limits such as Ammonia-Nitrogen NH₃-N, Total Kjeldahl Nitrogen TKN, and Total Nitrogen TN in your wastewater treatment plant.
Biological nitrification is a two-step process facilitated by nitrifiers which convert ammonia (NH3) to nitrite (NO2–) and then to nitrate (NO3–). However, as temperatures decrease during the winter months, maintaining nitrification can prove challenging since cooler temperatures adversely affect the growth rate of nitrifiers. These bacteria thrive around 90°F (32°C), but for every 18°F (10°C) drop in temperature, their growth rate is can be cut in half! If cooler wastewater temperatures decrease the growth rate enough, nitrifiers may be removed from the WWTP through sludge wasting faster than they can reproduce. Under this condition, NH3 breakthrough can occur which might potentially result in a permit violation.
To combat this problem, EBS offers NitriFire a highly concentrated nitrifier product. It is designed to help treatment plants maintain compliance, even during the most difficult months of the year. NitriFire contains both Nitrosomonas and Nitrobacter strains. Nitrosomonas bacteria initiate the process by oxidizing NH₃ into NO₂⁻, and Nitrobacter complete the cycle by converting nitrite into NO₃⁻.
Unlike many commercial products that often lack Nitrobacter altogether, NitriFire offers a balanced formulation that supports full nitrification—outperforming other nitrifier products on the market in both ammonia and nitrite conversion.
Don’t let cold weather compromise your compliance. Stay ahead of seasonal challenges—reach out to EBS today and learn how we can support your system.
For more information please contact EBS at info@ebsbiowizard.com or call 985-674-0660.