Simultaneous biodegradation of tetrahydrofuran, 3-buten-1-ol and 1,4-butanediol in real wastewater by a pilot high-rate UASB reactor

摘要

A stream of wastewater from a synthetic-fibers manufacturing plant with high amount of tetrahydrofuran (THF), 3-buten-1-ol (BTO) and 1,4-butanediol (BDO) results in high chemical oxygen demand (COD). A pilot high rate up-flow anaerobic sludge blanket (UASB) reactor, which recirculation rate was set at three times of feed flow-rate, was conducted on-site and continuously run for 108 days. Volumeric organic loading rates were gradually adjusted from to 1.3 +/- 0.2 to 21.5 +/- 1.8 kg-COD.m(-3) d(-1) while corresponding COD in the influent increased from 1704 to the maximum up to 30700 mg L-1. Average removals of COD were 75.8%, while temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen, and oxidation reduction potential were intensively monitored throughout the pilot study. Average THF removals of 89.1% and complete BTO removals showed successful biodegradation in the UASB reactor. Meanwhile, average BDO removals increased significantly from 43.2% to 95.8%. In addition, increasing of biomass and food-to-microorganism ratios were performed well by rational regressions. Anaerobic granules were also developed well to the final size of 3-4 mm. Moreover, total biogas production rates were increased by operation days. The main biogas component (CH4) increases five times while the other two (CO2 and N-2) were kept steady. In general, start-up of the UASB for biodegradting real wastewaters containing high concentration of C4 chemicals was firstly demonstrated in the pilot study.