Assessment of phase distribution and removal of metals in anaerobic digesters

Author(s)

Yabuki, L. N. M. ^[1] ; Queluz, J. G. T. ^[1] ; Garcia, M. L. ^[1]

Affiliation

^[1] Sao Paulo State Univ Unesp, Inst Geosci & Exact Sci IGCE, Av 24 A, 1515 Bela Vista, BR-13506900 Rio Claro, SP - Brazil

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY; v. 19, n. 1, p. 463-474, JAN 2022.
• Web of Science Citations: 0

Abstract

A determination of the mobility and bioavailability of metals could provide more comprehensive knowledge about the real environmental potential of anaerobic biodigestion and health risks associated with inappropriately treated wastewater. This study aims to determine the distribution of cobalt, copper, iron, manganese, nickel and zinc among the particulate and dissolved fractions in three wastewater types (molasses, vinasse, and acid mine drainage). Affluent and effluent samples from three bioreactors analyzing each wastewater type were collected and separated into dissolved and total fractions; metal partitioning and removal efficiencies from anaerobic treatment were also evaluated. In the influent, substantial proportions of copper and iron (particulate fraction > 70%) are present in the particulate fraction that can be removed more easily than the dissolved fractions of cobalt, nickel, manganese and zinc (dissolved fraction > 53%), requiring subsequent removal techniques, such as ion exchange. For biotechnological applications, this study indicates the substantial potential of the anaerobic treatment for metal removal as an innovative eco-friendly process that minimizes the use of non-renewable resources. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 15/06246-7 - Biorefinery concept applied to biological wastewater treatment plants: environmental pollution control coupled with material and energy recovery
• Grantee: Marcelo Zaiat
• Support Opportunities: Research Projects - Thematic Grants
• FAPESP's process: 17/18075-8 - Efficiency evaluation and dynamic modeling of intermittently aerated horizontal subsurface-flow constructed wetlands
• Grantee: João Gabriel Thomaz Queluz
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral
• FAPESP's process: 16/24526-0 - Influence of trace elements in the generation of biogas from wastewater treatment
• Grantee: Lauren Nozomi Marques Yabuki
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral