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The performance and kinetic study of membrane anaerobic system in treating POME. Palm oil mill effluent

L S Lai1, A Fakhru'l-Razi, A Idris

  • 1Faculty of Engineering, UPM.

Artificial Cells, Blood Substitutes, and Immobilization Biotechnology
|December 14, 1999
PubMed

Insights

This study evaluated kinetic models for membrane anaerobic systems treating palm oil mill effluent (POME). The Contois model best described the process, achieving high COD removal and methane production.

Area of Science:

  • Environmental Engineering
  • Biotechnology
  • Wastewater Treatment

Background:

  • Palm oil mill effluent (POME) poses significant environmental challenges.
  • Membrane anaerobic systems (MAS) offer a potential solution for POME treatment.
  • Understanding kinetic models is crucial for optimizing MAS performance.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the applicability of three kinetic models (Monod, Contois, Chen and Hashimoto) for MAS treating POME.
  • To evaluate the overall treatment efficiency of the MAS process.
  • To determine key kinetic parameters and their influence on performance.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized a cross-flow ultrafiltration membrane (MAS) for solid-liquid separation.
  • Operated the MAS at varying organic loading rates (OLRs) and mixed liquor suspended solids (MLSS).
  • Applied Monod, Contois, and Chen and Hashimoto models to experimental data.

Main Results:

  • The Contois model demonstrated the best fit (98.5%) for MAS treating raw POME.
  • COD removal efficiency ranged from 83.2% to 97.97%.
  • Methane production rates were between 0.262 to 0.473 l/g-COD-utilised/d, influenced by SRT and OLRs.
  • Membrane fouling significantly impacted permeability.

Conclusions:

  • Kinetic models, particularly the Contois model, accurately describe MAS performance for POME treatment.
  • MAS is an effective technology for POME treatment, yielding high COD removal and methane production.
  • Process parameters like SRT and OLRs, along with membrane fouling, are critical for MAS efficiency.

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