Performance Evaluation of Two Anaerobic Reactors for Removing Sulphate from Industrial Effluents

Abstract:

Reactors hydrodynamic condition and the choice of substrate are important factors for the optimization and implementation of this sulphate-reducing biological process. This study evaluated two continuous anaerobic reactors, UASB and fluidized bed. The maximum removal achieved by the UASB reactor when operated without recirculation was 65% for a substrate load applied to 3.55 kg/m3 d. When the mass transfer conditions of the reactor were improved by recirculating the biomass, the sulphate removal efficiency increased to 89%, representing a removal rate of 1.94 kg SO₄^2-/m^-3 .d^-1. Glycerol was used with the carbon and electron source for SRB in the fluidized bed reactor and was compared to the performance with lactate. For the same sulphate load applied, a removal efficiency of 70%-90% was observed, resulting in a residual concentration average of 254 mg/L sulphate. Glycerol, which is a by-product from biodiesel production, is a potential choice as substrate for sulphate reduction.

• Periodical: Advanced Materials Research (Volume 825)
• Pages: 491-495
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.4028/www.scientific.net/AMR.825.491
• Online since: October 2013
• Authors: Sueli Moura Bertolino, Lucas Antônio Melgaço, Nayara Carolina Quites, Versiane Albis Leao
• Keywords: Anaerobic Treatment, Sulfate-Reducing Bacteria (SRB), Sulphate Removal

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