Open AccessRemediation of chlorophenol- and phenol-contaminated groundwater by a sequencing batch biofilm reactor
Author(s) -
G. Farabegoli,
Agostina Chiavola,
E. Rolle
Publication year - 2008
Publication title -
water science and technology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.406
H-Index - 137
eISSN - 1996-9732
pISSN - 0273-1223
DOI - 10.2166/wst.2008.398
Subject(s) - phenol , effluent , chemistry , environmental remediation , chlorophenol , environmental chemistry , cometabolism , groundwater , batch reactor , degradation (telecommunications) , pulp and paper industry , adsorption , biomass (ecology) , biofilm , kinetics , bioreactor , contamination , bioremediation , waste management , environmental engineering , environmental science , organic chemistry , ecology , catalysis , bacteria , geology , computer science , engineering , biology , telecommunications , quantum mechanics , physics , geotechnical engineering , paleontology
The paper describes the results of an investigation aimed at evaluating suitability of a lab-scale Sequencing Batch Biofilm Reactor (SBBR) for the remediation of groundwater contaminated by phenol (P) and 2-chlorophenol (2-CP). Kinetics of compound degradation was determined along the bed height in the absence and in presence of effluent recirculation, and with different influent composition (compounds fed separately or in combination in the same stream). SBBR performances with and without recirculation were very satisfactory for all the influent compositions: the system showed 99% removal efficiencies for both phenol and 2-CP and their complete removal was always achieved far before the end of react. In the presence of recirculation, the concentration gradient established during fill was rapidly eliminated and an even biomass distribution along the bed height was formed. Consequently, an acceleration of the elimination process was observed, particularly for phenol that was mostly removed in the first hour of the cycle. When the compounds were fed simultaneously, 2-CP removal kinetics improved probably due to cometabolism. The adsorption phenomena of the toxic compounds on the packing material were studied also, showing about 50% COD removal after 7 hours contact time.