Ammonia direct oxidation denitrification method suitable for slope cropland ecological ditch

By employing AMAO reaction units and microbial acetone-mediated ammonia oxidation pathway in ecological ditches on sloping farmland, the limitations of traditional nitrification-denitrification processes have been overcome, achieving efficient and low-cost ammonia nitrogen removal. This approach adapts to steep slope terrain, improves nitrogen removal efficiency, and reduces energy consumption and operating costs.

CN121913628APending Publication Date: 2026-04-24CHONGQING INST OF GREEN & INTELLIGENT TECH CHINESE ACAD OF SCI +1
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Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Applications(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
CHONGQING INST OF GREEN & INTELLIGENT TECH CHINESE ACAD OF SCI
Filing Date
2026-02-04
Publication Date
2026-04-24

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing technologies are insufficient for the efficient and low-cost removal of ammonia nitrogen pollution in ecological ditches on sloping farmland. Traditional nitrification-denitrification processes are lengthy, energy-intensive, and lack structural optimization for the AMAO pathway, resulting in low nitrogen removal efficiency.

Method used

In the ecological ditch system, AMAO reaction units are arranged in a stepped manner along the longitudinal slope. The ammonia oxidation pathway is mediated by microorganisms and acetone. Through the combination structure of inlet buffer zone, AMAO main reaction zone and outlet flow stabilization zone, combined with O2, NO2-, NO3- or Fe(III) as electron acceptors, ammonia nitrogen is directly converted into nitrogen gas in aerobic, hypoxic or microaerobic environments. The AMAO functional bacteria are activated by composite functional packing layer and immobilized carrier.

Benefits of technology

It significantly improves denitrification efficiency to over 90%, reduces energy consumption by 50%, reduces operating costs by 40% to 60%, eliminates the accumulation of intermediate harmful substances, adapts to steep slope terrain, and its widely distributed AMAO functional microbial community facilitates rapid establishment and stable operation.

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Abstract

The invention relates to the technical field of agricultural non-point source pollution treatment, and particularly discloses an ammonia direct oxidation denitrification method suitable for a slope cropland ecological ditch. According to the method, one or more AMAO reaction units are arranged in an ecological ditch system along a longitudinal slope of a ditch in a stepped manner, and ammonia nitrogen is directly converted into nitrogen in the ecological ditch system by utilizing AMAO functional flora based on a microbial acetone-mediated ammoxidation (AMAO, acetone + ammonia-acetoxime-acetone + nitrogen) way in the AMAO reaction units, so that the ammonia nitrogen can be directly converted into nitrogen in the ecological ditch system. The system utilizes widely distributed AMAO functional microorganisms to directly convert ammonia nitrogen into nitrogen in a single reaction unit, so that the limitation of a traditional nitrification-denitrification path is broken through. According to the invention, through the modularized stepped drop structure, the composite functional filler layer and accurate microenvironment regulation and control, the efficient and stable removal of ammonia nitrogen in the slope cropland farmland drainage under the conditions of low energy consumption and low cost is realized, and a brand new technical normal form is provided for solving the problem of nitrogen pollution of the slope cropland.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of agricultural non-point source pollution control and ecological environment protection technology, specifically relating to a direct ammonia oxidation denitrification method suitable for ecological ditches on sloping farmland. Background Technology

[0002] In the upper reaches of the Yangtze River and other areas with complex terrain, steep slopes, and fragmented plots of sloping farmland, agricultural production heavily relies on fertilizer application, leading to severe exceedances of ammonia nitrogen concentrations in farmland runoff. This region experiences concentrated and intense rainfall, and the steep terrain of sloping farmland results in rapid drainage flow and strong hydraulic scouring. Traditional ecological ditches have short hydraulic retention times, leading to low ammonia nitrogen removal efficiency and even problems such as ditch destruction and accelerated soil erosion. Ammonia nitrogen, as a major form of nitrogen from agricultural non-point source pollution, easily causes eutrophication when directly discharged into water bodies, making it a crucial factor in controlling agricultural non-point source pollution.

[0003] Currently, the mainstream technology for removing ammonia nitrogen from ecological ditches on sloping farmland is the circuitous "nitrification-denitrification" process (ammonia → nitrite → nitrate → nitrite → nitrogen). This process typically requires completion in two separate physical spaces or time periods, one aerobic and the other anaerobic, resulting in a long process, large land area, and high energy consumption. In the context of sloping farmland, this multi-step process is difficult to implement effectively within the limited space of ditches. Furthermore, the denitrification process requires additional carbon sources, increasing operating costs and management complexity. In recent years, significant progress has been made in fundamental research on the nitrogen cycle, revealing and confirming for the first time a novel microbial pathway hidden in nature that can directly oxidize ammonia to nitrogen—acetone-mediated ammonia oxidation (AMAO, acetone + ammonia → acetone oxime → acetone + nitrogen). This discovery not only breaks through the traditional nitrogen cycle understanding framework of the past century but also provides a completely new theoretical basis and technological weapon for solving the nitrogen removal problem on sloping farmland. AMAO functional microorganisms are widely distributed in natural ecosystems and are mostly dominant bacteria in the environment. They involve the vast majority of bacterial phyla, including common Proteobacteria, Bacteroidetes, Firmicutes, Acidobacteria, Actinobacteria, etc., which makes in situ enrichment of AMAO bacteria feasible.

[0004] Combining the AMAO pathway with ecological ditch engineering on sloping farmland can overcome the limitations of traditional methods, achieving one-step ammonia nitrogen removal, significantly shortening the path, reducing energy consumption, and improving adaptability. However, there is currently no engineering application scheme for AMAO specifically designed for the unique hydraulic conditions of sloping farmland (steep slopes, rapid flow, intermittent drainage). Traditional ditches lack structural optimization for AMAO, resulting in insufficient utilization of AMAO activity. Existing technologies struggle to achieve efficient and stable nitrogen removal under low-cost, low-energy conditions, necessitating an innovative ditch structure that couples the AMAO pathway to solve the challenge of ammonia nitrogen pollution control on sloping farmland. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In view of this, the purpose of this invention is to solve the above problems and provide a direct ammonia oxidation denitrification method suitable for ecological ditches on sloping farmland.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution: A direct ammonia oxidation denitrification method suitable for ecological ditches on sloping farmland is proposed. One or more AMAO reaction units are arranged in a stepped manner along the longitudinal slope of the ecological ditch system. In the AMAO reaction units, based on the microbial acetone-mediated ammonia oxidation pathway, the AMAO functional bacteria directly convert ammonia nitrogen into nitrogen gas within the ecological ditch system.

[0007] Furthermore, the AMAO reaction unit includes an inlet buffer zone, an AMAO main reaction zone, and an outlet flow stabilization zone arranged sequentially along the water flow direction; The inlet buffer zone is used for homogenization and initial rate reduction; the AMAO main reaction zone contains a composite functional packing layer with a layered structure, the upper layer being an immobilized carrier loaded with AMAO functional microorganisms; the effluent stabilization zone is used for energy dissipation and stabilizing the effluent flow.

[0008] Furthermore, the AMAO main reaction zone utilizes O2 and NO2. - NO3 - It can act as an electron acceptor for any one or more of Fe(III), thereby maintaining denitrification activity in aerobic, hypoxic or microaerobic environments.

[0009] Furthermore, the bottom layer of the composite functional filler layer is a composite material layer, which is a mixture of iron hydroxide, sulfur and limestone in a mass ratio of 3:3:1, used to activate AMAO functional bacteria and provide potential electron acceptors.

[0010] Furthermore, the inlet buffer zone, AMAO main reaction zone, and outlet flow stabilization zone are arranged in a stepped manner, utilizing the falling and impacting water flow to achieve natural reoxygenation and provide electron acceptors for the acetone-mediated ammonia oxidation pathway of microorganisms.

[0011] Furthermore, the immobilization carrier is polyvinyl alcohol-calcium alginate microspheres.

[0012] Furthermore, the upper layer of the composite functional filler layer is formed by mixing the immobilized carrier and the original soil volume ratio at 1:(2~3) and filling it to a thickness of 0.3~0.5m, and forms an active infiltration layer in the AMAO main reaction zone to ensure permeability and biofilm adhesion.

[0013] Furthermore, before the ecological ditch system is started, acetone stimulates the growth of AMAO bacteria in the AMAO main reaction zone, enriching microorganisms with AMAO function in situ. After the biofilm on the immobilized carrier is formed and the ammonia nitrogen effluent is stable, the entire system is started. After entering the stable period, there is no need to add acetone. During the reaction process, the microorganisms convert organic carbon in the water into acetone and achieve recycling.

[0014] Furthermore, before the ecological ditch system is started, 10~100mg / L of acetone is added to the AMAO main reaction zone to stimulate the growth of AMAO bacteria.

[0015] Furthermore, the AMAO reaction unit is suitable for ditches with a longitudinal slope greater than 5%, and each step constitutes an independent AMAO reaction module.

[0016] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows: 1. Revolutionary improvement in nitrogen removal efficiency: The AMAO one-step method of this invention significantly shortens the steps of converting ammonia nitrogen into nitrogen gas, breaking through the limitations of the traditional nitrification-denitrification pathway, and the total nitrogen removal rate is expected to increase from about 60% to more than 90%.

[0017] 2. Reduced energy consumption and cost: Due to the shortened path, oxygen consumption can theoretically be reduced by about 50%, and no external denitrification carbon source is required. The overall operating cost is expected to be reduced by 40% to 60%.

[0018] 3. Excellent environmental friendliness: The method in this invention does not accumulate intermediate harmful nitrogen oxides, significantly reducing the emission risk of the strong greenhouse gas N2O.

[0019] 4. Excellent adaptability to slopes: The AMAO reaction unit in this invention adopts a modular design and stepped structure to perfectly adapt to steep slopes, solving the contradiction between fast flow rate and long residence time.

[0020] 5. Strong technical applicability: The AMAO functional microorganisms used in this invention are widely distributed in nature, far exceeding any known ammonia-oxidizing bacteria, making the system easy to quickly establish and operate stably on sloping farmland in different regions.

[0021] Other advantages, objectives, and features of the invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the following examination, or may be learned from practice of the invention. The objectives and other advantages of the invention can be realized and obtained through the following description. Attached Figure Description

[0022] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the present invention clearer, the preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein: Figure 1 This is a top view of the ecological ditch system in this invention.

[0023] Figure 2 This is a side sectional view of the ecological ditch system in this invention.

[0024] Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of the AMAO reaction unit in this invention.

[0025] Figure 4 This is a graph showing the change in ammonia nitrogen concentration in the influent and effluent in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] Attached diagram labels: 1-Farmland planting area; 2-Inlet buffer zone; 3-AMAO main reaction zone; 4-Outlet flow stabilization zone. Detailed Implementation

[0027] The following specific examples illustrate the implementation of the present invention. Those skilled in the art can easily understand other advantages and effects of the present invention from the content disclosed in this specification. The present invention can also be implemented or applied through other different specific embodiments, and various details in this specification can be modified or changed based on different viewpoints and applications without departing from the spirit of the present invention. It should be noted that the illustrations provided in the following embodiments are only schematic representations of the basic concept of the present invention. Unless otherwise specified, the following embodiments and features can be combined with each other.

[0028] The accompanying drawings are for illustrative purposes only and are schematic diagrams, not actual pictures. They should not be construed as limiting the invention. To better illustrate the embodiments of the invention, some parts in the drawings may be omitted, enlarged, or reduced, and do not represent the actual product dimensions. It is understandable to those skilled in the art that some well-known structures and their descriptions may be omitted in the drawings.

[0029] In the accompanying drawings of the embodiments of the present invention, the same or similar reference numerals correspond to the same or similar components. In the description of the present invention, it should be understood that if terms such as "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "front," and "rear" indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the drawings, they are only for the convenience of describing the present invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, the terms used to describe positional relationships in the drawings are only for illustrative purposes and should not be construed as limiting the present invention. For those skilled in the art, the specific meaning of the above terms can be understood according to the specific circumstances.

[0030] Example 1 like Figures 1-3As shown, this embodiment provides a direct ammonia oxidation denitrification method suitable for ecological ditches on sloping farmland. An AMAO reaction unit is arranged in a stepped manner along the longitudinal slope of the ditch in the ecological ditch system. In the AMAO reaction unit, based on the microbial acetone-mediated ammonia oxidation pathway, the AMAO functional bacteria directly convert ammonia nitrogen into nitrogen gas in the ecological ditch system.

[0031] The ecological ditch system comprises a farmland planting area 1, an inlet buffer zone 2, an AMAO main reaction zone 3, and an outlet flow stabilization zone 4. Drainage from the farmland planting area 1 enters the ditch system, first flowing through the inlet buffer zone 2, which has an enlarged cross-section structure to homogenize the flow and initially reduce the water velocity; then it enters the AMAO main reaction zone 3, which utilizes O2 and NO2. - NO3 - It can use any one or more of Fe(III) as electron acceptors, thus maintaining denitrification activity in aerobic, hypoxic, or microaerobic environments. A composite functional packing layer is placed in the AMAO main reaction zone 3. This composite functional packing layer adopts a layered structure: the bottom layer is a mixture of iron hydroxide, sulfur, and limestone in a mass ratio of 3:3:1, which is used to activate AMAO functional bacteria and provide potential electron acceptors; the upper layer is an immobilized polyvinyl alcohol-calcium alginate microsphere loaded with AMAO functional microorganisms, which is mixed with the original volume of soil at a ratio of 1:(2~3) and then filled to form an active infiltration layer with a thickness of 0.3~0.5m to ensure water permeability and biofilm adhesion; finally, it enters the effluent stabilization zone 4, which is used to dissipate energy and stabilize the effluent flow.

[0032] Among them, the inlet buffer zone 2, AMAO main reaction zone 3, and outlet flow stabilization zone 4 in the AMAO reaction unit are arranged in a stepped manner, and the natural longitudinal slope of the ditch (slope greater than 5%) is used to form a waterfall structure, and the falling and impact of the water flow achieves natural reoxygenation.

[0033] Before system startup, 10-100 mg / L of acetone is added to the AMAO main reaction zone 3 to stimulate the growth of AMAO functional bacteria, thereby enriching microorganisms with acetone-mediated ammonia oxidation function in situ. After 7-14 days of enrichment, a mature biofilm forms on the immobilized carrier, and the entire system is started after the ammonia nitrogen effluent stabilizes. Once the system enters a stable operating period, no further acetone addition is required. During the reaction, the microorganisms convert organic carbon in the ditch water into acetone, achieving acetone media recycling.

[0034] For specific implementation, please refer to Figure 4 An ecological ditch on a sloping farmland was selected as the test object. The influent ammonia nitrogen concentration ranged from 5 to 15 mg / L. After treatment by the method in this embodiment, the ammonia nitrogen removal rate reached more than 90% during the monitoring period, and the total nitrogen removal rate was significantly improved.

[0035] Example 2 This embodiment adds multiple AMAO reaction units arranged in a stepped manner based on the length and slope of the ditch, according to the previous embodiment 1. Each AMAO reaction unit forms an independent AMAO reaction module, thereby treating ammonia nitrogen more efficiently.

[0036] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention and are not intended to limit it. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications or equivalent substitutions can be made to the technical solutions of the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention, and all such modifications or substitutions should be covered within the scope of the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A method for direct ammonia oxidation denitrification suitable for ecological ditches on sloping farmland, characterized in that, One or more AMAO reaction units are arranged in a stepped manner along the longitudinal slope of the ditch in the ecological ditch system. In the AMAO reaction units, based on the microbial acetone-mediated ammonia oxidation pathway, the AMAO functional bacteria directly convert ammonia nitrogen into nitrogen gas in the ecological ditch system.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The AMAO reaction unit includes an inlet buffer zone, an AMAO main reaction zone, and an outlet flow stabilization zone arranged sequentially along the water flow direction. The inlet buffer zone is used for homogenization and initial rate reduction; the AMAO main reaction zone contains a composite functional packing layer with a layered structure, the upper layer being an immobilized carrier loaded with AMAO functional microorganisms; the effluent stabilization zone is used for energy dissipation and stabilizing the effluent flow.

3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that, The AMAO main reaction zone utilizes O2 and NO2. - NO3 - It can act as an electron acceptor for any one or more of Fe(III), thereby maintaining denitrification activity in aerobic, hypoxic or microaerobic environments.

4. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that, The bottom layer of the composite functional filler layer is a composite material layer, which is a mixture of iron hydroxide, sulfur and limestone in a mass ratio of 3:3:

1. It is used to activate AMAO functional bacteria and provide potential electron acceptors.

5. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that, The inlet buffer zone, AMAO main reaction zone, and outlet flow stabilization zone are arranged in a stepped manner, utilizing the falling and impacting water flow to achieve natural reoxygenation and provide electron acceptors for the acetone-mediated ammonia oxidation pathway of microorganisms.

6. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that, The immobilization carrier is polyvinyl alcohol-calcium alginate microspheres.

7. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that, The upper layer of the composite functional filler layer is formed by mixing the immobilized carrier and the original soil at a volume ratio of 1:(2~3) and filling it to a thickness of 0.3~0.5m. It forms an active infiltration layer in the AMAO main reaction zone to ensure permeability and biofilm adhesion.

8. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, Before the ecological ditch system is started, acetone stimulates the growth of AMAO bacteria in the AMAO main reaction zone, enriching microorganisms with AMAO function in situ. After the biofilm on the immobilized carrier is formed and the ammonia nitrogen effluent is stable, the entire system is started. After entering the stable period, there is no need to add acetone. During the reaction process, the microorganisms convert organic carbon in the water into acetone and achieve recycling.

9. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that, Before starting the ecological ditch system, add 10~100mg / L of acetone to the AMAO main reaction zone to stimulate the growth of AMAO bacteria.

10. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The AMAO reaction unit is suitable for ditches with a longitudinal slope greater than 5%, and each step constitutes an independent AMAO reaction module.