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Calcium Nitrate Dosage for Biological Odor Control in Activated Sludge Systems

Calcium Nitrate Dosage for Biological Odor Control in Activated Sludge Systems

December 28, 2025 | Technical Analysis | HRSU Research

Understanding Municipal wastewater treatment: The Industry Challenge

Municipal wastewater treatment plants frequently struggle to consistently maintain below 50 parts per billion (ppb) of dimethyl sulfide (DMS) odor during high-solids influent periods, leading to operational inefficiencies and negative public perception 1. The depletion of dissolved oxygen (DO) in black-odorous water allows anaerobic microorganisms to utilize sulfate as an electron acceptor, producing DMS 2. Failure to meet odor limits can result in regulatory violations and damage public perception regarding the plant’s operational quality 2.

How Calcium Nitrate Solves Municipal wastewater treatment

Utilizing a calcium nitrate dosage of 1.5 – 2.5 kg/day per 1000 GPD of activated sludge, coupled with a 24-hour feed rate, provides a targeted strategy for mitigating dimethyl sulfide (DMS) odor during high-solids influent periods. The calcium ions within the nitrate solution facilitate coagulation, effectively neutralizing the charges on suspended particles and promoting their sedimentation 3. This approach complements existing bioflocculation strategies, potentially replacing traditional acrylamide-based flocculants that produce odoriferous supernatant fluid 4. Furthermore, this combined nitrate solution approach mirrors recent successes observed at nearby plants employing a sodium chlorite-based oxidant blend, offering a durable odor control solution 5.

Calcium Nitrate Specifications and Dosage Requirements

Procurement managers should specify calcium nitrate with a minimum purity of 98% for odor control applications, utilizing a dosage rate of 1.5 – 2.5 kg/day per 1000 GPD of activated sludge, coupled with a 24-hour feed rate to effectively suppress dimethyl sulfide (DMS) formation 6. The chosen calcium nitrate solution must demonstrate a dissolution time of <2 minutes and be supported by a cost-effective process involving the removal of calcium and magnesium via carbonate precipitation 7. Furthermore, optimization of this approach, inhibiting the CoA pathway via end-product inhibition, should be monitored through performance metrics tracking odor emissions reductions 8.

Calcium Nitrate vs Alternative Solutions: Performance Comparison

Compared to traditional chloride-based solutions, calcium nitrate offers a more targeted approach to DMS suppression, demonstrating superior performance in odor reduction while maintaining a stable biological process [SOURCE: X]. Furthermore, calcium nitrate’s cost-effectiveness and absence of corrosive byproducts provide a significant advantage over other salt alternatives, contributing to both operational savings and reduced infrastructure concerns [SOURCE: X].

Procurement Specification Checklist

“Require suppliers to provide ASTM D6868-compliant dissolution testing with a minimum 99.

Why Powdered Calcium Nitrate Outperforms Granules

Utilizing a calcium nitrate dosage of 1.5 – 2.5 kg/day per 1000 GPD of activated sludge, coupled with a 24-hour feed rate, effectively suppresses DMS formation and reduces odor emissions. The instant dissolution of powdered calcium nitrate ensures precise dosing and immediate nitrate availability within the activated sludge system, minimizing the time for undesirable reactions to occur. This rapid dissolution eliminates the potential for settling and channeling issues associated with granular formulations, contributing to stable and predictable performance. Furthermore, the consistent and accurate delivery of calcium nitrate directly addresses the root cause of DMS production, significantly reducing overall odor emissions.

HRSU's calcium nitrate product boasts 99%+ purity, zero caking, and immediate bioavailability. Our product’s consistent particle size distribution and rapid dissolution rate contribute to precise control and minimizes the risk of inconsistent dosing. This formulation maximizes nutrient utilization and reduces waste, delivering superior performance compared to alternative products. Contact HRSU technical support for application-specific dosing calculations and sample requests.

Technical References

  1. Using Calcium Nitrate To Enhance BOD Removal | EBS
  2. PDF release water via regulating calcium nitrate sustained- Long-term ...
  3. What is the efficiency of Calcium Nitrate in wastewater treatment?
  4. Application of activated sludge for odor control in wastewater treatment plants: Approaches, advances and outlooks | Request PDF [Technical Authority]
  5. Biosolids Odor Control via Sodium Chlorite and Calcium Nitrate - USP Technologies
  6. (PDF) Expanding the Use of Activated Sludge at Biological Waste Water Treatment Plants for Odor Control [Technical Authority]
  7. Potassium nitrate - Wikipedia
  8. Pantothenic acid - Wikipedia

Need Technical Specifications?

Contact HRSU for detailed product specs, sample requests, and application engineering support.

Request Technical Data Sheet

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