Skip to main content
U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

Mutant bacteria give fast startup for new process

Journal Article · · Pollut. Eng.; (United States)
OSTI ID:6666348
In order to accelerate startup in the aeration basin of the new primary and secondary wastewater treatment systems in Chemplex Corp.'s Clinton, Iowa, facility, the aeration tank was seeded with 75 lb of Phenobac mutant bacteria strains. The facility produces about 500 million lb/yr of polyethylene and generates 1.5 million gal/day of wastewater containing by-product compounds, including phenols, oil and grease, toluene, styrene, and naphthalene. The phenol levels in the final effluent dropped to 0.4 mg/l. after one day and to Vertical Bar3; 0.1 mg/l. in two days, while the levels of BOD/sub 5/ and COD in the effluent were reduced below permit specifications in four days. The new system has enabled Chemplex to meet the new standards of 35, 215, and 0.4 mg/l. for BOD/sub 5/, COD, and phenols, respectively, compared with the earlier values of 80, 270, and 0.8 mg/l. Phenoback breaks down phenols, heavy aromatics, saturated and unsaturated hydrocarbons, and cyanides in wastewater to allow microorganisms to establish themselves. The operating principles of the treatment system are discussed.
OSTI ID:
6666348
Journal Information:
Pollut. Eng.; (United States), Journal Name: Pollut. Eng.; (United States) Vol. 11:7; ISSN PLENB
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English