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Two-phase reactors applied to the removal of substituted phenols: comparison between liquid-liquid and liquid-solid
M C Tomei1, M C Annesini, V Piemonte
1Water Research Institute, C.N.R., Via Salaria km 29.300, 00016 Monterotondo, Rome, Italy. tomei@irsa.cnr.it
Summary
This study compares liquid-liquid and liquid-solid partitioning for removing 4-nitrophenol from industrial wastewater. The polymer Hytrel showed superior performance, offering a viable solution for treating phenolic compounds.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Biotechnology
- Bioremediation
- Chemical Engineering
Background:
- Substituted phenols, like 4-nitrophenol, are common industrial pollutants.
- Conventional bioreactors struggle with high concentrations of these compounds.
- Two-phase partitioning systems offer potential for enhanced removal.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare liquid-liquid and liquid-solid partitioning systems for 4-nitrophenol removal.
- To evaluate different partitioning materials, including polymers and liquid solvents.
- To model the systems and determine kinetic and mass transfer parameters.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a mixed microbial culture in a Sequencing Batch Reactor (SBR) acclimatized to 4-nitrophenol.
- Tested liquid-liquid extraction with 2-undecanone and liquid-solid extraction with polymers (Hytrel, Tone™).
- Developed a model to analyze reaction, mass transfer, and diffusion times; fitted data to the Haldane equation.
Main Results:
- Both two-phase systems outperformed the single-phase bioreactor in 4-nitrophenol removal.
- The polymer Hytrel demonstrated the highest partition capability, surpassing 2-undecanone and Tone™.
- Kinetic parameters, diffusivity, and mass transfer coefficients were successfully evaluated.
Conclusions:
- Two-phase partitioning systems are effective for treating high concentrations of 4-nitrophenol.
- Hytrel is a promising material for liquid-solid partitioning in industrial wastewater treatment.
- Polymer regeneration is feasible, enabling material reuse and cost-effectiveness.
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