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2-Mercaptobenzothiazole degradation in laboratory fed-batch systems
1Laboratory for Industrial Microbiology and Biochemistry, Heverlee, Belgium.
Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology
|December 1, 1994
Summary
This study explored the biodegradation of toxic benzothiazole compounds from rubber additive wastewater. A mixed sludge effectively removed 2-mercaptobenzothiazole (MBT) up to 200 mg/L, but higher concentrations led to disulphide accumulation.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Microbiology
- Chemical Engineering
Background:
- Wastewater from rubber additive manufacturing contains recalcitrant and toxic benzothiazole compounds.
- Effective treatment methods are needed to manage these hazardous industrial effluents.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the biodegradation of benzothiazole compounds in fed-batch systems.
- To identify optimal conditions for removing 2-mercaptobenzothiazole (MBT) and related substances.
Main Methods:
- Utilized fed-batch bioreactors for wastewater treatment.
- Employed mixed sludge cultures with and without prior MBT exposure.
- Monitored degradation rates and byproduct formation at various concentrations.
Main Results:
- A mixture of MBT-history and non-MBT-history sludge demonstrated optimal 2-mercaptobenzothiazole (MBT) degradation, removing up to 200 mg/L.
- Accumulation of recalcitrant disulphide occurred at MBT concentrations of 100 mg/L and above.
- MBT inhibited the biodegradation of benzothiazole-2-sulphonate, while MBT and benzothiazole degradation were independent.
Conclusions:
- Biodegradation using mixed sludge is a viable strategy for removing MBT from industrial wastewater.
- High MBT concentrations pose challenges due to disulphide accumulation and inhibition of other compound degradation.
- Further research is needed to understand the formation of unidentified polar compounds during the process.