Removal of polyvinylpyrrolidone from wastewater using different methods
Markéta Julinová1, Jan Kupec, Josef Houser
1Centre of Polymer Systems, Department of Environment Protection Engineering, Tomas Bata University in Zlín, nám. T. G. Masaryka 5555, 760 01 Zlin, Czech Republic. julinova@ft.utb.cz
Summary
Polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) is a persistent pollutant in wastewater. Sorption to activated sludge and specific microorganisms show promise for PVP removal, while biodegradation is largely ineffective.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Polymer Chemistry
- Wastewater Treatment
Background:
- Polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) is a non-biodegradable polymer commonly found in wastewater due to its extensive use in pharmaceutical and food industries.
- Existing wastewater treatment methods show limited efficacy in removing PVP, necessitating the exploration of advanced removal strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate effective methods for removing Polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) from wastewater.
- To evaluate the potential of biodegradation, sorption, and pretreatment techniques for PVP removal.
Main Methods:
- Biodegradation tests using activated sludge and specific enzymes.
- Sorption studies utilizing activated carbon and activated sludge.
- Evaluation of polymer pretreatment prior to biological degradation.
Main Results:
- Aerobic biodegradation of PVP was ineffective, even with adapted microbial cultures.
- Pretreatment showed limited effectiveness (10-15% biodegradation) and practical application challenges.
- Sorption to activated sludge was significant, particularly at low PVP concentrations, following Freundlich isotherm.
- Sorption to activated carbon followed Langmuir isotherm.
Conclusions:
- Sorption to activated sludge is a recommended method for PVP removal, especially at lower concentrations.
- Application of specific microorganisms and alkaline hydrolysis are potential alternatives, though less suitable for large-scale wastewater treatment.
- Further research into microbial and sorption-based strategies is warranted for efficient PVP remediation.
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