Process Intensification of Partial Denitrification Promotes Structural Reorganization and Enhancement of HAP-Coupled Granular Sludge.

Reducing cycle frequency in partial denitrification significantly increases nitrite accumulation to 75%, promoting structural reorganization and enhanced phosphorus removal in HAP-coupled granular sludge.

• Why it matters: Understanding how alkalinity generation and mineralization influence granule structure is crucial for optimizing nitrogen and phosphorus removal processes, addressing gaps in microbial-mineral interactions.
• What they did: An SBR was operated under different cycle frequencies and pH conditions, analyzing morphological, compositional, and performance changes, including nitrite accumulation and granule integrity.
• The result: The study demonstrates a self-reinforcing mechanism where mineralization promotes granule restructuring, improving P removal, settling velocity, and mechanical strength, advancing resource recovery in low-carbon treatment systems.