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Calcium Nitrate Dosage for Controlling Sludge Odor Emissions (2024)

Calcium Nitrate Dosage for Controlling Sludge Odor Emissions (2024)

December 28, 2025 | Technical Analysis | HRSU Research

Understanding Municipal wastewater treatment: The Industry Challenge

Municipal wastewater treatment plants often face the challenge of maintaining Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD) levels below 150 mg/L alongside controlling hydrogen sulfide (H2S) odor emissions exceeding 200 ppb 1. Utilizing chemicals like calcium or sodium nitrate to address this requires careful consideration, as the addition of nitrate necessitates further denitrification processes or fines, potentially increasing operational costs 3. Failure to meet these parameters can result in regulatory non-compliance and concerns regarding public health and aesthetic quality 2.

How Calcium Nitrate Solves Municipal wastewater treatment

Municipal wastewater treatment facilities facing challenges with BOD levels and H2S odor can achieve significant improvements through a targeted biological stabilization strategy. Utilizing a precisely calibrated calcium nitrate dosage of 50-75 mg/L, combined with a temperature range of 18-22°C, effectively reduces H2S production and minimizes odor complaints by promoting anaerobic sludge stabilization. BIOXIDE® solution, a naturally derived product, is effective (SOURCE: 6) as it eliminates the odor and prevents corrosion, surpassing traditional chemical odor control methods. Consistent with recommendations (SOURCE: 4), incorporating a one-time shock dose of 10-15 ppm BIO-XL facilitates biomass acclimatization, optimizing overall treatment efficiency as highlighted in this review (SOURCE: 5).

Calcium Nitrate Specifications and Dosage Requirements

The procurement team should specify BIOXIDE® Biochemical Solution with a minimum purity of 98% for odor and corrosion control, utilizing a dosage rate of 50-150 mg/L to effectively eliminate hydrogen sulfide production 6. Following an initial shock dose of 10-15 ppm, sustained odor control requires a continuous dosage to maintain H2S reduction and ensure a dissolution time of <2 minutes [SOURCE:6, SOURCE:4]. Considering the natural process, the solution offers a cost-effective alternative to chemical treatments, optimizing overall wastewater treatment efficiency [SOURCE:5, SOURCE:6].

Calcium Nitrate vs Alternative Solutions: Performance Comparison

Calcium nitrate offers a cost-effective solution for H2S reduction and odor control, particularly when compared to alternatives like chloride-based products 4, as its calibrated dosage provides superior performance in anaerobic sludge stabilization. Unlike broad-spectrum salts, calcium nitrate’s targeted approach minimizes potential heavy metal issues, aligning with regulatory goals, while also complementing strategies involving hydrated lime for sludge bulking 7.

Procurement Specification Checklist

Demand suppliers provide comprehensive technical specifications including ASTM D3981 dissolution testing with a minimum 99.


Why Powdered Calcium Nitrate Outperforms Granules

Powdered calcium nitrate offers significantly faster dissolution compared to granules, allowing for immediate and precise dosing within the recommended 50-75 mg/L range. This rapid dissolution minimizes variability in the final calcium nitrate concentration, contributing to consistent anaerobic sludge stabilization and H2S reduction. Furthermore, the powdered form eliminates the need for agitation or extended mixing periods, resulting in minimized waste and reduced operational complexity.

HRSU calcium nitrate boasts 99%+ purity, zero caking properties, and immediate bioavailability. This ensures consistent performance and eliminates potential issues associated with particle agglomeration. Our product is rigorously tested and manufactured to meet stringent quality standards. Contact HRSU technical support for application-specific dosing calculations and sample requests.

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