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Phenol removal in upgraded facultative waste stabilisation ponds
F J Avelar1, P Martínez-Pereda, F Thalasso
1Departamento de Fisiología y Farmacología, Universidad Autónoma de Aguascalientes Av. Universidad 940, CP 20100, Aguascalientes, Ags., México.
Environmental Technology
|August 5, 2003
Summary
Enriching waste stabilization ponds with activated sludge enhances phenol removal efficiency, even at high loading rates. This method improves the treatment of wastewater containing xenobiotics.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Engineering
- Microbiology
- Wastewater Treatment
Background:
- Phenolic compounds are common industrial pollutants.
- Conventional wastewater treatment can struggle with recalcitrant organic compounds like phenol.
- Activated sludge is a well-established biological treatment agent.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effectiveness of activated sludge-enriched waste stabilization ponds for phenol removal.
- To evaluate pond performance under varying high phenol loading rates.
- To assess the potential of this method for treating xenobiotic compounds.
Main Methods:
- Laboratory-scale waste stabilization ponds were utilized.
- Ponds were enriched with activated sludge prior to phenol loading.
- Phenol removal efficiency was measured at different chemical oxygen demand (COD) loading rates.
Main Results:
- Phenol removal efficiencies ranged from 52% to 77% across tested loading rates.
- The highest efficiency (77%) was observed at a loading rate of 6 COD ha(-1) day(-1).
- Significant removal was achieved even at high loading rates (up to 972 COD ha(-1) day(-1)).
Conclusions:
- Enrichment with activated sludge is a promising strategy to enhance the phenol removal capacity of facultative ponds.
- This approach can improve the treatment of not only biodegradable compounds but also xenobiotics.
- Waste stabilization ponds, when enriched, offer a viable solution for phenol-contaminated wastewater.