Abstract
Denitrification is a feasible alternative for the treatment of phenolic bearing-wastewaters. The aim of this study was to evaluate the biodegradability of phenolic compounds, as the only carbon and energy source in batch and continuous experiments, using nitrate as a final electron acceptor. Experiments in a continuous upward anaerobic sludge bed reactor demonstrated the possibility of biodegrading a mixture of phenol and 3,4-dimethylphenol at organic loads of 251.6 and 39.5 mg/L-d, respectively, at a COD/NO3--N ratio of 2.57. A nitrogen production efficiency of 86% was obtained according to the nitrate consumption. GC-MS analyses demonstrated that m-cresol was an intermediate of 3,4-dimethylphenol degradation in batch conditions, and had an inhibitory effect on phenol degradation.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 171-178 |
Number of pages | 8 |
Journal | Water Science and Technology |
Volume | 48 |
Issue number | 6 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - 2003 |
Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- 3,4-dimetylphenol
- Biodegradation
- Denitrification
- Phenol
- UASB reactor