Evaluation of sulfamethazine sorption and biodegradation by anaerobic granular sludge using batch experiments

Author(s)

Oliveira, G. H. D. ^[1] ; Santos-Neto, A. J. ^[2] ; Zaiat, M. ^[1]

Affiliation

^[1] Univ Sao Paulo, Sao Carlos Sch Engn, Ctr Res Dev & Innovat Environm Engn, Lab Biol Proc, BR-13563120 Sao Carlos, SP - Brazil

^[2] Univ Sao Paulo, Inst Chem Sao Carlos, BR-13566590 Sao Carlos, SP - Brazil

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: Bioprocess and Biosystems Engineering; v. 39, n. 1, p. 115-124, JAN 2016.
• Web of Science Citations: 14

Abstract

This study investigated the removal of the veterinary antimicrobial sulfamethazine (SMZ) using anaerobic granular sludge in batch tests. Adsorption and biodegradation were the main mechanisms involved, with adsorption being properly described by a pseudo-second-order model and a linear adsorption isotherm. The adsorption rate constant ranged from 0.00051 to 0.00587 L A mu g(-1) h(-1), whereas the SMZ partition coefficient was determined to be 0.0717 L g TVS-1. Biodegradation depended on the presence of readily available organic matter, indicating the occurrence of cometabolism. The addition of exogenous COD to a 144-h batch run at the concentration level of 100 A mu g L-1 increased the efficiency of SMZ removal from 57 to 84 %. A two-compartment model was developed and fitted to the experimental results, which established the aqueous phase as the main bioavailable compartment. The results suggested that SMZ conversion in anaerobic reactors benefits from high influent dilution and an exogenous supply of organic matter. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 10/19910-9 - Development of green chemistry strategies on chromatography and application to the evaluation of antibiotics degradation in wastewaters by fixed-bed anaerobic bioreactors
• Grantee: Alvaro José dos Santos Neto
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• FAPESP's process: 12/18942-0 - Sulfamethazine removal in anaerobic reactors treating swine wastewater
• Grantee: Guilherme Henrique Duarte de Oliveira
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate (Direct)
• FAPESP's process: 09/53850-6 - Acquisition of a mass spectrometer forin-depth studies of the mechanisms of degradation of organic compounds in reactors applied to wastewater treatment and to the production of bioactive commercial compounds
• Grantee: Marcelo Zaiat
• Support Opportunities: Multi-user Equipment Program