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Response of methane fermentation systems to industrial toxicants

Journal Article · · J. - Water Pollut. Control Fed.; (United States)
OSTI ID:5794003

Engineers designing facilities for removal of organics from industrial wastewater often opt for the ''guaranteed mediocrity'' of conventional aerobic treatment. But in many cases, anaerobic treatment may be a more optimal alternative for industrial waste treatment. Methane fermentation offers a potential net energy savings of about 2.3 x 10 to the power of 4 kJ/kg (20 million Btu/ton) of chemical oxygen demand (COD) destroyed and may produce only about 10% as much excess biological sludge. The operating cost differential may be about $82/metric ton ($90/ton) of COD destroyed in favor of anaerobic treatment. Generally, if an organic compound can be degraded aerobically, it can also be degraded anaerobically. (Refs. 16).

Research Organization:
Environmental Studies Inst, Drexel Univ, Philadelphia, PA 19104
OSTI ID:
5794003
Journal Information:
J. - Water Pollut. Control Fed.; (United States), Journal Name: J. - Water Pollut. Control Fed.; (United States) Vol. 55:1; ISSN JWPFA
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English