A Polymeric Membrane Reactor for Biodegradation of Phenol in Wastewater

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

1-1-1990

Abstract

Microorganisms from activated sludge were immobilized by at tachment to microporous plastic sheets [MPS™]. Biodegradation of phenol was accomplished by pumping a phenol solution through a reactor containing microorganisms attached to the MPS™ sheet. Biodegradation was the pri mary removal mechanism, with only 5% removal by abiotic means. Experi ments were conducted in batch recirculation flow and continuous flow con figurations. In batch mode biodegradation rates showed a strong dependency on recirculation flow rates. In continuous mode, a residence time of 1.4 hours was needed for 50% conversion at steady state. Consumption of phenol and dis solved oxygen showed parallel trends throughout the experiments. The polymeric membrane developed is biocompatible since the attached microorganisms were active for over 6 weeks without any toxic or harmful effects. The spiral reactor configuration developed in this study is shown to be a better design for using membranes in both laboratory and industrial scale bioreactors. © 1990, Sage Publications. All rights reserved.

Identifier

0025241322 (Scopus)

Publication Title

Journal of Bioactive and Compatible Polymers

External Full Text Location

https://doi.org/10.1177/088391159000500406

ISSN

08839115

First Page

439

Last Page

452

Issue

4

Volume

5

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