Effect of operational strategies on activated sludge's acclimation to phenol, subsequent aerobic granulation, and accumulation of polyhydoxyalkanoates
Journal
Journal of Hazardous Materials
Journal Volume
317
Pages
221-228
Date Issued
2016
Author(s)
Abstract
Aerobic granules, a relative novel form of microbial aggregate, are capable of degrading many toxic organic pollutants. Appropriate strategy is needed to acclimate seed sludge to the toxic compounds for successful granulation. In this study, two distinct strategies, i.e. mixed or single carbon sources, were experimented to obtain phenol-acclimated sludge. Their effects on reactor performance, biomass characteristics, microbial population and the granulation process were analyzed. Sludge fed with phenol alone exhibited faster acclimation and earlier appearance of granules, but possibly lower microbial diversity and reactor stability. Using a mixture of acetate and phenol in the acclimation stage, on the other hand, led to a reactor with slower phenol degradation and granulation, but eventual formation of strong and stable aerobic granules. In addition, the content of intracellular polyhydoxyakanoates (PHA) was also monitored, and significant accumulation was observed during the pre-granulation stage, where PHA >50% of dry weight was observed in both reactors. ? 2016 Elsevier B.V.
Subjects
Acclimation
Aerobic granules
PHA
Phenol
SBR
Type
journal article