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(Reference retrieved automatically from Web of Science through information on FAPESP grant and its corresponding number as mentioned in the publication by the authors.)

Full-scale anaerobic sequencing batch biofilm reactor for sulfate-rich wastewater treatment

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Author(s):
Sarti, Arnaldo [1] ; Silva, Ariovaldo J. [1] ; Zaiat, Marcelo [1] ; Foresti, Eugenio [1]
Total Authors: 4
Affiliation:
[1] Univ Sao Paulo, Dept Hidraul & Saneamento, Escola Engn Sao Carlos EESC, Lab Proc Biol LPB, BR-13563120 Sao Carlos, SP - Brazil
Total Affiliations: 1
Document type: Journal article
Source: Desalination and Water Treatment; v. 25, n. 1-3, p. 13-19, JAN 2011.
Web of Science Citations: 1
Abstract

This paper describes the performance and biofilm characteristics of a full-scale anaerobic sequencing batch biofilm reactor (ASBBR; 20 m(3)) containing biomass immobilized on an inert support (mineral coal) for the treatment of industrial wastewater containing a high sulfate concentration. The ASBBR reactor was operated during 110 cycles (48 h each) at sulfate loading rates ranging from 6.9 to 62.4 kgSO(4)(2-)/cycle corresponding to sulfate concentrations of 0.58-5.2 gSO(4)(2-)/L. Domestic sewage and ethanol were utilized as electron donors for sulfate reduction. After 71 cycles the mean sulfate removal efficiency was 99%, demonstrating a high potential for biological sulfate reduction. The biofilm formed in the reactor occurred in two different patterns, one at the beginning of the colonization and the other of a mature biofilm. These different colonization patterns are due to the low adhesion of the microorganisms on the inert support in the start-up period. The biofilm population is mainly made up of syntrophic consortia among sulfate-reducing bacteria and methanogenic archaea such as Methanosaeta spp. (AU)