scholarly journals Micro-Oxygenation in Upflow Anaerobic Sludge Bed (UASB) Reactors Using a Silicon Membrane for Sulfide Oxidation

Polymers ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (9) ◽  
pp. 1990
Author(s):  
Freddy Valdés ◽  
Priscila Rosseto Camiloti ◽  
Jan Bartacek ◽  
Álvaro Torres-Aravena ◽  
Javiera Toledo-Alarcón ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sulfide Oxidation ◽  
Anaerobic Sludge ◽  
Silicon Membrane ◽  
Correct Operation ◽  
Membrane Area ◽  
Anaerobic Reactors ◽  
Key Factor ◽  
Reducing Bacteria ◽  
Excessive Oxygen ◽  
Uasb Reactors

Sulfide produced by sulphate-reducing bacteria in anaerobic reactors can seriously affect biogas quality. Microaeration has become a reliable way to remove sulfide, by promoting its oxidation. However, limited research is available regarding its application in upflow anaerobic sludge bed (UASB) reactors. In this research, silicon membranes were studied as a mechanism to dose oxygen in USAB reactors. Two configurations were tested: the membrane placed inside the reactor or in an external module. Our results show that the external membrane proved to be a more practical alternative, providing conditions for sulfide oxidation. This led to a reduction in its concentration in the liquid effluent and biogas. External membrane configuration achieved a sulfide conversion rate of 2.4 g-S m2 d−1. Since the membrane was not sulfide-selective, methane losses were observed (about 9%). In addition, excessive oxygen consumption was observed, compared to the stoichiometric requirement. As is the case for many membrane-based systems, membrane area is a key factor determining the correct operation of the system.

scholarly journals Constraints, performance and perspectives of anaerobic sewage treatment: lessons from full-scale sewage treatment plants in Brazil

2019 ◽  
Vol 80 (3) ◽  
pp. 418-425 ◽  
Author(s):  
T. Bressani-Ribeiro ◽  
L. A. Chamhum-Silva ◽  
C. A. L. Chernicharo
Keyword(s):  
Sewage Treatment ◽  
Full Scale ◽  
Upflow Anaerobic Sludge Blanket ◽  
Operational Performance ◽  
Anaerobic Sludge ◽  
Anaerobic Reactors ◽  
Anaerobic Sludge Blanket ◽  
Operational Constraints ◽  
Uasb Reactors ◽  
Design Construction

Abstract There are hundreds of full-scale upflow anaerobic sludge blanket (UASB) reactors in operation in various parts of the tropical world, notably in India and Latin America, Brazil being the holder of the largest park of anaerobic reactors for sewage treatment in the world. Despite the recognized advantages of UASB reactors, there are problems that have prevented their maximum operational performance. Neglecting the existence and delaying the solution of these challenges can jeopardize the important advances made to date, impacting the future of anaerobic technology in Brazil and in other countries. This work aims to evaluate the operational performance of five full-scale UASB reactors in Brazil, taking into account a monitoring period ranging between two and six years. The main observed design, construction, and operational constraints are discussed. Some outlooks for important upcoming developments are also provided, considering that most of the observed drawbacks can be tackled without significant increases on reactor costs.

Occurrence of pharmaceuticals and endocrine disruptors in raw sewage and their behavior in UASB reactors operated at different hydraulic retention times

2012 ◽  
Vol 66 (12) ◽  
pp. 2562-2569 ◽  
Author(s):  
F. B. Queiroz ◽  
E. M. F. Brandt ◽  
S. F. Aquino ◽  
C. A. L. Chernicharo ◽  
R. J. C. F. Afonso
Keyword(s):  
Bisphenol A ◽  
Ion Trap ◽  
Solid Phase ◽  
Endocrine Disrupting Compounds ◽  
Upflow Anaerobic Sludge Blanket ◽  
Anaerobic Sludge ◽  
Anaerobic Reactors ◽  
Belo Horizonte ◽  
Anaerobic Sludge Blanket ◽  
Uasb Reactors

This work investigated the occurrence of pharmaceuticals and endocrine disrupting compounds (EDCs) in raw sewage (from Belo Horizonte city, Minas Gerais state, Brazil) and assessed their behavior in demo-scale upflow anaerobic sludge blanket reactors (UASB reactors) operated at different hydraulic retention times (HRT). The dissolved concentration of the studied micropollutants in the raw and treated sewage was obtained using solid phase extraction (SPE) followed by analysis in a liquid chromatography system coupled to a hybrid high resolution mass spectrometer consisting of an ion-trap and time of flight (LC-MS-IT-TOF). The natural (estradiol) and synthetic (ethinylestradiol) estrogens were hardly detected; when present, however, their concentrations were lower than the method quantification limits. The concentrations of bisphenol A and miconazole in raw sewage were similar to that reported in the literature (around 200 ng L−1 and hardly detected, respectively). The antibiotics sulfamethoxazole (median 13.0 ng L−1) and trimethoprim (median 61.5 ng L−1), and the other pharmaceutical compounds (diclofenac and bezafibrate, with median 99.9 and 94.4 ng L−1, respectively) were found in lower concentrations when compared with reports in the literature, which might indicate a lower consumption of such drugs in Brazil. The UASB reactors were inefficient in the removal of bisphenol A, and led to an increased concentration of nonylphenol in the effluent. The anaerobic reactors were also inefficient in the removal of diclofenac, and led to a partial removal of bezafibrate; whereas, for sulfamethoxazole there seemed to be a direct relationship between the HRT and removal efficiencies. For trimethoprim the sludge retention time (SRT) seemed to play an important role, although it was only partially removed in the UASB reactors.

Removal of E. coli and helminth eggs in UASB: polishing pond systems in Brazil

2005 ◽  
Vol 51 (12) ◽  
pp. 91-97 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. von Sperling ◽  
R.K.X. Bastos ◽  
M.T. Kato
Keyword(s):  
Upflow Anaerobic Sludge Blanket ◽  
Anaerobic Sludge ◽  
Who Guidelines ◽  
Decay Coefficient ◽  
E Coli ◽  
Anaerobic Reactors ◽  
Helminth Eggs ◽  
In Series ◽  
Anaerobic Sludge Blanket ◽  
Uasb Reactors

Ponds following anaerobic reactors, such as Upflow Anaerobic Sludge Blanket (UASB) reactors, have been termed polishing ponds in the literature. The present paper analyses the removal of E. coli and helminth eggs in five UASB–polishing pond systems in Brazil. Since there were ponds in series, the total number of ponds was 10. The ponds had average retention times varying from 2 to 21 days, and depths ranging from 0.40 to 2.00 m. The shallow ponds in series, even with low retention times, were able to produce effluents complying with the coliform WHO guidelines for unrestricted irrigation (≤1000 MPN/100 ml). An equation for the coliform decay coefficient was proposed: Kb (dispersed flow)=0.710 H−0.955 (20 °C). The equation highlights the inverse relationship between the pond depth and the decay coefficient. All polishing pond systems were able to produce effluents with helminth eggs concentrations predominantly equal to zero, and satisfying the WHO guidelines for unrestricted and restricted irrigation (≤1 egg/L, arithmetic mean). The approximate range of helminth eggs removal efficiency was predicted satisfactorily.

Immobilization strategies for bioaugmentation of anaerobic reactors treating phenolic compounds

2000 ◽  
Vol 42 (5-6) ◽  
pp. 245-250 ◽  
Author(s):  
S.R. Guiot ◽  
K. Tawfiki-Hájji ◽  
F. Lépine
Keyword(s):  
Phenolic Compounds ◽  
Hydraulic Retention Time ◽  
Alginate Beads ◽  
Continuous Operation ◽  
Anaerobic Sludge ◽  
Anaerobic Reactors ◽  
Degrading Bacteria ◽  
Free Cells ◽  
Specific Activities ◽  
Uasb Reactors

Degradation of phenol, ortho- and para-cresol was investigated in upflow anaerobic sludge bed (UASB) reactors bioaugmented with a methanogenic enrichment consortium able to degrade a mixture of phenolic compounds, in comparison to a reactor, which was inoculated only with anaerobic granules: 1) natural attachment of free cells to the granules, and 2) encapsulation within alginate beads. The increase of the percentage of enrichment from 2 to 5% improved considerably the startup of the reactors. Going from 5 to 10% had no effect on the removal of the phenolic compounds. Following a period of continuous operation at a hydraulic retention time of 3 days, the bioaugmented reactors showed specific activities on phenol, ortho- and para-cresol, at least twofold higher than those of the control reactor. This increase was attributed to the immobilization of phenol, ortho- and para-cresol-degrading bacteria on the granules.

Anaerobic Thermophilic (55°C) Treatment of TMP Whitewater in Reactors Based on Biomass Attachment and Entrapment

1999 ◽  
Vol 40 (11-12) ◽  
pp. 67-75 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sigrun J. Jahren ◽  
Jukka A. Rintala ◽  
Hallvard Ødegaard
Keyword(s):  
Granular Sludge ◽  
Biofilm Reactor ◽  
Upflow Anaerobic Sludge Blanket ◽  
Hybrid Reactor ◽  
Anaerobic Sludge ◽  
Loading Rates ◽  
Anaerobic Reactors ◽  
Multi Stage ◽  
Degradation Rates ◽  
Thermomechanical Pulping

Thermomechanical pulping (TMP) whitewater was treated in thermophilic (55°C) anaerobic laboratory-scale reactors using three different reactor configurations. In all reactors up to 70% COD removals were achieved. The anaerobic hybrid reactor, composed of an upflow anaerobic sludge blanket (UASB) and a filter, gave degradation rates up to 10 kg COD/m3d at loading rates of 15 kg COD/m3d and hydraulic retention time (HRT) of 3.1 hours. The anaerobic multi-stage reactor, consisting of three compartments, each packed with granular sludge and carrier elements, gave degradation rates up to 9 kg COD/m3d at loading rates of 15-16 kg COD/m3d, and HRT down to 2.6 hours. Clogging and short circuiting eventually became a problem in the multi-stage reactor, probably caused by too high packing of the carriers. The anaerobic moving bed biofilm reactor performed similar to the other reactors at loading rates below 1.4 kg COD/m3d, which was the highest loading rate applied. The use of carriers in the anaerobic reactors allowed short HRT with good treatment efficiencies for TMP whitewater.

The treatment of iron oxalate leach liquors in a UASB with sulfate reduction

1997 ◽  
Vol 36 (6-7) ◽  
pp. 383-390 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. E. Teer ◽  
D. J. Leak ◽  
A. W. L. Dudeney ◽  
A. Narayanan ◽  
D. C. Stuckey
Keyword(s):  
Bacterial Species ◽  
Upflow Anaerobic Sludge Blanket ◽  
Anaerobic Sludge ◽  
Desulfovibrio Vulgaris ◽  
Hydrogenotrophic Methanogenesis ◽  
Irreversible Effects ◽  
High Concentrations ◽  
A Minor ◽  
Anaerobic Sludge Blanket ◽  
Reducing Bacteria

The presence of small amounts of iron (>0.013% Fe) in sand creates problems in the manufacture of high quality glass. Removal by hot sulphuric acid is possible, but creates environmental problems, and is costly. Hence organic acids such as oxalic have been investigated since they are effective in removing iron, and can be degraded anaerobically. The aim of this work was to identify key intermediates in the anaerobic degradation of oxalate in an upflow anaerobic sludge blanket reactor (UASB) which was removing iron from solution in the sulphide form, and to determine the bacterial species involved. 2-bromoethanesulfonic acid (BES) and molybdenum were selected as suitable inhibitors for methanogenic and sulphate reducing bacteria (SRB) respectively. 40mM molybdenum was used to inhibit the SRB in a reactor with a 12hr HRT. Total SRB inhibition took place in 20 hrs, with a complete breakthrough of influent sulphate. The lack of an immediate oxalate breakthrough confirmed Desulfovibrio vulgaris subspecies oxamicus was not the predominant oxalate utilising species. Nevertheless, high concentrations of molybdenum were found to inhibit oxalate utilising bacteria in granular reactors but not in suspended population reactors; this observation was puzzling, and at present cannot be explained. Based on the intermediates identified, it was postulated that oxalate was degraded to formate by an oxalate utilising bacteria such as Oxalobacter formigenes, and the formate used by the SRBs to reduce sulphate. Acetate, as a minor intermediate, existed primarily as a source of cell carbon for oxalate utilising bacteria. Methanogenic inhibition identified that 62% of the CH4 in the reactor operated at 37°C originated from hydrogenotrophic methanogenesis, whilst this figure was 80% at 20°C. Possible irreversible effects were recorded with hydrogenotrophic methanogens.

The effect of extreme temperatures (70–80°C) on the effluent quality and sludge characteristics of UASB reactors

1997 ◽  
Vol 36 (6-7) ◽  
pp. 325-332 ◽  
Author(s):  
Raghida Lepistö ◽  
Jukka Rintala
Keyword(s):  
Volatile Fatty Acids ◽  
Granular Sludge ◽  
Anaerobic Sludge ◽  
Methanogenic Activity ◽  
Sludge Characteristics ◽  
Effluent Quality ◽  
Start Up ◽  
Thermomechanical Pulping ◽  
Increasing Temperature ◽  
Uasb Reactors

The study focused on the effluent quality and sludge characteristics during the start-up and operation of extreme thermophilic (70 to 80°C) upflow anaerobic sludge bed (UASB) reactors, inoculated with mesophilic and thermophilic granular sludge and fed with acetate, volatile fatty acids (VFA), and thermomechanical pulping (TMP) whitewater. Low effluent quality and long start-up periods were observed during the start-up of the 70 to 76°C, VFA-fed UASB reactors inoculated with mesophilic granulae, while better effluent quality and considerably shorter start-up periods were observed when thermophilic (55/70°C) inocula were used. With VFA feed, a significant amount of acetate was removed at 70°C and even at 80°C, while propionate removal was negligible. With TMP whitewater feed, low VFA effluent concentration was obtained at 70°C. The volatile solids (VS) and the VS/total solids (TS) content of the sludge decreased significantly during the first 2–3 months of operation when mesophilic inocula were used. The initial specific methanogenic activity (ISMA) of the extreme thermophilic sludge decreased with increasing temperature and was slightly higher on glucose than on acetate. At 70 to 80°C, various rod-like bacteria were dispersed through the granulae in either individual or in low density micro colonies surrounded with a varying degree of precipitates.

Conventional Anaerobic Reactors Applied to Denitrification: a Comparison Between Packed Bed and UASB Reactors Under Low COD Conditions

2021 ◽  
Vol 232 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Natalia Cangussu Duarte ◽  
Ariane Corrêa Barbosa ◽  
Taína Martins Magalhães ◽  
Cassiana Carolina Montagner ◽  
Luana Mattos de Oliveira Cruz ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Packed Bed ◽  
Anaerobic Reactors ◽  
Uasb Reactors

scholarly journals Integrative analysis of <i>Geobacter</i> spp. and sulfate-reducing bacteria during uranium bioremediation

2012 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. 1033-1040 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Barlett ◽  
K. Zhuang ◽  
R. Mahadevan ◽  
D. Lovley
Keyword(s):  
Sulfate Reducing Bacteria ◽  
Field Trials ◽  
Second Phase ◽  
Sulfate Reducing ◽  
Organic Electron ◽  
Poor Understanding ◽  
Key Factor ◽  
Reducing Bacteria ◽  
The Impact

Abstract. Enhancing microbial U(VI) reduction with the addition of organic electron donors is a promising strategy for immobilizing uranium in contaminated groundwaters, but has yet to be optimized because of a poor understanding of the factors controlling the growth of various microbial communities during bioremediation. In previous field trials in which acetate was added to the subsurface, there were two distinct phases: an initial phase in which acetate-oxidizing, U(VI)-reducing Geobacter predominated and U(VI) was effectively reduced and a second phase in which acetate-oxidizing sulfate reducing bacteria (SRB) predominated and U(VI) reduction was poor. The interaction of Geobacter and SRB was investigated both in sediment incubations that mimicked in situ bioremediation and with in silico metabolic modeling. In sediment incubations, Geobacter grew quickly but then declined in numbers as the microbially reducible Fe(III) was depleted whereas the SRB grow more slowly and reached dominance after 30–40 days. Modeling predicted a similar outcome. Additional modeling in which the relative initial percentages of the Geobacter and SRB were varied indicated that there was little to no competitive interaction between Geobacter and SRB when acetate was abundant. Further simulations suggested that the addition of Fe(III) would revive the Geobacter, but have little to no effect on the SRB. This result was confirmed experimentally. The results demonstrate that it is possible to predict the impact of amendments on important components of the subsurface microbial community during groundwater bioremediation. The finding that Fe(III) availability, rather than competition with SRB, is the key factor limiting the activity of Geobacter during in situ uranium bioremediation will aid in the design of improved uranium bioremediation strategies.

Methanol conversion in high-rate anaerobic reactors

2001 ◽  
Vol 44 (8) ◽  
pp. 7-14 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. Weijma ◽  
A.J.M. Stams
Keyword(s):  
Carbon Dioxide ◽  
Methanol Conversion ◽  
High Rate ◽  
Sulfate Reducing ◽  
Anaerobic Reactors ◽  
Substrate Level ◽  
Thermophilic Conditions ◽  
Mesophilic Digestion ◽  
Reducing Bacteria ◽  
Microbiological Aspects

An overview on methanol conversion in high-rate anaerobic reactors is presented, with the focus on technological as well as microbiological aspects. The simple C1-compound methanol can be degraded anaerobically in a complex way, in which methanogens, sulfate reducing bacteria and homoacetogens interact cooperatively or competitively at substrate level. This interaction has large technological implications as it determines the final product of methanol mineralization, methane or carbon dioxide. The degradation route of methanol may be entirely different when environmental conditions change. Direct methanogenesis from methanol seems the predominant mineralization route under mesophilic conditions both in the absence and the presence of sulfate. Under thermophilic conditions methanol oxidation to carbon dioxide and hydrogen appears to play an important role. The UASB technology for mesophilic digestion of methanolic waste has presently reached full-scale maturity. The potential of methanol as feedstock for anaerobic processes is discussed.

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