(Bio)Precipitation of Trivalent Arsenic Using an Anaerobic Bioreactor

Abstract:

This study aims to build and operate an experimental system to observe the metabolic activity of a mixed culture of SRB on removing sulphate and arsenic (AsIII). The experimental apparatus was operated semi-continuously. The synthetic medium utilized was modified Postgate C increased with a NaAsO₂ solution (As concentrations ranging from 2 to 8 mg/L). Powdered chicken feathers (PCF) was used as nutrient and solid support for microbial growth. It is a cheap waste material produced by poultry industry and it was previously studied for As biosorption. Growth parameters analyzed were pH, Eh, sulphate and As(III) concentration. After 6 months of operation, As was introduced into the system, initially 2mg.L^-1. The main results obtained are: pH changes were quit negligible, varying between 7 and 8, Eh decayed to a maximum of -400 eV, compatible with a reducing condition. Sulphate removal was of about 80%, and up to 90% of the arsenic was removed from the system. The methodology here presented is effective and innovative since arsenic is removed without any oxidation step. Considering the low cost of the waste material some operation costs may be reduced.

• Periodical: Advanced Materials Research (Volume 825)
• Pages: 544-547
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.4028/www.scientific.net/AMR.825.544
• Online since: October 2013
• Authors: Letícia Paiva de Matos, Patricia Freitas, Mônica Cristina Teixeira
• Keywords: Arsenite, Bioremediation, Powdered Chicken Feathers, SRB, Sulfato, Sulfide

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