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Evaluation of the Efficacy of Organic Peroxyacids for Eradicating Dairy Biofilms Using an Approach Combining Static and Dynamic Methods

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Anaerobic fluidized bed whey treatment.

P H Boening¹, V F Larsen

¹Biotechnology Department, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand.

Biotechnology and Bioengineering

|November 1, 1982

Summary

Fluidized bed reactors effectively treat lactic casein whey permeate, achieving up to 90% removal efficiency. Lower temperatures increase microorganism concentration, compensating for reduced reaction rates in anaerobic digestion.

Area of Science:

Environmental microbiology
Wastewater treatment engineering
Biochemical engineering

Background:

Lactic casein whey permeate presents a significant organic load (2000-7000 mg/L SCOD).
Effective treatment of such wastewater is crucial for environmental sustainability.
Fluidized bed reactors offer potential for efficient anaerobic digestion.

Purpose of the Study:

To evaluate the feasibility of anaerobic treatment for lactic casein whey permeate using fluidized bed reactors.
To determine the performance of fluidized bed reactors at various organic loading rates and temperatures.
To assess nutrient requirements for the anaerobic digestion process.

Main Methods:

Utilized fluidized bed reactors for anaerobic digestion of lactic casein whey permeate.

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Operated reactors at different temperatures (e.g., 15°C and 35°C) and organic loading rates.

Monitored soluble chemical oxygen demand (SCOD) removal efficiency and organic removal rates.

Main Results:

Achieved up to 90% SCOD removal efficiency at 35°C and 7.7 kg SCOD M⁻³ day⁻¹.
Maintained 70% removal efficiency at 35°C and 19.5 kg SCOD M⁻³ day⁻¹.
Observed a removal rate of 3.0 kg SCOD M⁻³ day⁻¹ at 15°C with 50% efficiency.
Demonstrated significantly lower nutrient requirements compared to CSTR systems, with no supplemental nitrogen or phosphorus needed.
Noted that microorganism concentration increased at lower temperatures, offsetting reduced reaction rates.

Conclusions:

Fluidized bed reactors are effective for the anaerobic treatment of moderate-strength lactic casein whey permeate.
Wastewater treatment performance is dependent on organic loading rates and temperature.
The process requires minimal nutrient supplementation, making it a cost-effective and sustainable option.