2-fluorophenol degradation by aerobic granular sludge in a sequencing batch reactor

Area of Science:

• Environmental biotechnology
• Wastewater treatment
• Microbial degradation

Background:

• Aerobic granular sludge offers a promising and cost-effective alternative to conventional activated sludge systems for treating toxic effluents.
• Recalcitrant organic compounds in wastewater pose significant treatment challenges for conventional systems.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of aerobic granular sludge in a sequencing batch reactor (SBR) for the biodegradation of 2-fluorophenol (2-FP).
• To assess the impact of bioaugmentation with a specialized bacterial strain on 2-FP removal efficiency.
• To demonstrate the robustness and stability of the granular SBR system.

Main Methods:

• A laboratory-scale granular sequencing batch reactor (SBR) was operated for 444 days.
• The SBR was initially fed with 2-FP and acetate, followed by bioaugmentation with a 2-FP degrading bacterial strain.
• The reactor was subsequently operated under continuous feeding conditions with varying 2-FP concentrations.

Main Results:

• Initial operation without bioaugmentation showed no biodegradation of 2-FP.
• Following bioaugmentation, the granular SBR achieved complete degradation of 2-FP with stoichiometric fluoride release.
• The 2-FP degrading bacterial strain was successfully retained within the aerobic granules.
• The granular SBR system demonstrated robustness and high performance in treating the toxic compound.

Conclusions:

• Bioaugmentation is crucial for the effective biodegradation of highly recalcitrant compounds like 2-FP.
• Aerobic granular sludge in an SBR is a robust and high-performing technology for treating toxic wastewater.
• Specialized microbial consortia can be effectively retained in aerobic granules for enhanced bioremediation.