Immobilization of white rot fungi to carbohydrate-rich corn cob as a basis for tertiary treatment of secondarily treated pulp and paper mill wastewater

Abstract

Currently, primary treatment and secondary biological treatment are the main steps for the treatment of wastewater generated from pulp and paper processes. However, in many cases, in particular, in China, due to a very low COD regulation for discharge, the secondarily treated wastewater would have to be further treated. In this short communication, we present a process concept of immobilizing white rot fungi to corn cob for tertiary treatment of secondarily treated wastewater. As an agricultural residue, carbohydrate-rich corn cob can serve as the support for fungi, allowing for continuous wastewater treatment operations. The role of corn cob as a carbon source can facilitate fungal incubation. Enrichment of pollutants by corn cob could also be possible, which is definitely favorable for enhancing fungi-pollutants interactions. This concept may potentially be combined with existing wastewater treatment technologies to meet ever-demanding environmental target for discharging effluent from manufacturing processes, including pulp and paper mills.