Abstract
A four-stage fixed-film reactor with 0.5 m3d−1 capacity and surface area-to-volume ratio of 72 was developed in which stationary submerged biofilms are attached to ceramic tiles and kept under diffused aeration. Reactor operation with a synthetic toxic waste and a petroleum refinery effluent was satisfactory. Organic loading was found to be a better operational or design parameter. An organic loading of 42 g COD m−2d−l or less is recommended to ensure good quality effluent. The reactor coped with organic and hydraulic overloads because of the good oxygen transfer capacity and the considerable quantity of attached biomass attained in the reactor. The majority of COD removal occurred in the first stage which retained the greatest quantity of attached biomass. Staging of the reactor is effective in damping excessive loadings. Biological treatment of the refinery waste removed up to 80% of COD and produced a good quality effluent but polishing of reactor effluent using alum treatment improved effluent quality for potential reuse.
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