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Anaerobic fluidized bed whey treatment.
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.
- 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.
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