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Anaerobic treatment of a biologically inhibitory waste water

Journal Article · · J. - Water Pollut. Control Fed.; (United States)
OSTI ID:7028586

A sequence of unit processes consisting of berl-saddle-packed-bed anaerobic reactor and an expanded-bed, granular activated carbon fluidized-bed anaerobic reactor was used for the treatment of a synthetically prepared coal conversion waste water. The waste water, with high concentrations of inhibitory compounds, was fed at three different chemical oxygen demand (COD) concentrations: 1513, 3027, and 7567 mg/L. Excellent removal or organic matter combined with high conversion of COD to methane was achieved. Negligible removal of COD was observed in the packed-bed reactor whereas the expanded-bed GAC reactor was removed in the majority of the organics in the waste water. Ortho- and meta-cresol resisted biodegradation and their toxicity to the anaerobic culture in the GAC reactor was overcome by partial replacement of the granular activated carbon medium in that reactor.

Research Organization:
Univ. of Illinois, Urbana (USA)
DOE Contract Number:
AC21-82MC19352
OSTI ID:
7028586
Journal Information:
J. - Water Pollut. Control Fed.; (United States), Journal Name: J. - Water Pollut. Control Fed.; (United States) Vol. 60:1; ISSN JWPFA
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English