Pamukkale University Journal of Engineering Sciences (Feb 2007)
EFFECT OF HIGH CONCENTRATIONS OF 2.4-DCP ON ACTIVATED SLUDGE
Abstract
Biodegradation of 2.4-dichlorophenol (2.4-DCP) was investigated with a mixed culture in a continuous activated sludge bioreactor. Glucose was used as co-substrate. Experiments were carried out at the feed 2.4-DCP concentrations between 5-450 mg/l, and the removal efficiencies of 2.4-DCP and COD were determined. The removal efficiencies and specific removal rates of 2.4-DCP for feed 2.4-DCP concentration up to 350 mg/l varied between 96.3-98.6 % and 0.007-1.15 mg/mg X.day respectively. Removal efficiencies and specific removal rates ranged between 75.66-92.0 % and 0.43-1.29 mg/mg X.day for COD. When 2.4-DCP concentration was increased from 350 to 450 mg/l, the removal efficiency and specific removal rate of 2.4-DCP decreased to 42.6 % and 0.77 mg/mg X.day due to the substrate inhibition on the microorganisms. Also, these values decreased to 7.85 % and 0.18 mg/mg X.day for COD. These results indicate that the adaptation of activated sludge could tolerate as high as 350 mg/l 2.4-DCP concentration as to the removal of 2.4-DCP and COD.
