[Biological reduction of perchlorate and optimization]

Area of Science:

• Environmental microbiology
• Water treatment technologies
• Bioremediation processes

Context:

• Perchlorate contamination poses risks to water resources.
• Conventional water treatment methods for perchlorate can be costly and inefficient.
• Bioremediation offers a sustainable alternative for perchlorate removal.

Purpose:

• To investigate the efficacy of anaerobic activated sludge bioremediation for perchlorate-contaminated water.
• To identify optimal conditions for perchlorate biodegradation by acclimated sludge.
• To evaluate the continuous treatment of perchlorate using a column bioreactor.

Summary:

• Acclimated anaerobic activated sludge demonstrated efficient perchlorate reduction using acetate as a carbon source.
• Complete reduction of 50 mg/L perchlorate was achieved with 1.0 g sludge and 1.2 g/L acetate at 35°C and pH 8.0.
• Dissolved oxygen inhibited perchlorate reduction, while a column bioreactor achieved continuous treatment with a minimum residence time of 6 hours.

Impact:

• Establishes optimal parameters for perchlorate bioremediation using anaerobic sludge.
• Demonstrates the feasibility of continuous perchlorate treatment in a bioreactor system.
• Provides a cost-effective and environmentally friendly solution for perchlorate-contaminated water.