Phenol biodegradation in a batch jet loop bioreactor (JLB): kinetics study and pH variation

Abstract

Phenol biodegradation in a batch jet loop bioreactor (JLB) using activated sludge was investigated. The biodegradation experiments were conducted at different phenol concentrations (S(0)) from 50 to 1000 mg/l. The results of the biodegradation of phenol by JLB show that a good phenol removal of 100%. The biodegradation capacity of the JLB was higher than that of the stirred tank reactor reported in literatures. The Haldane equation was adopted in order to describe the relation between the specific growth rates (micro) and S(0). Kinetic constants of Haldane equation were micro(m) = 0.119 1/h, K(s) = 11.13 mg/l and K(i) = 250.88 mg/l. Model equations were simulated using the MATHCAD 7.0 software's ordinary differential equation solver. Simulations were performed at each experiment with different initial phenol concentrations.