A Polymeric Membrane Reactor for Biodegradation of Phenol in Wastewater

Microorganisms from activated sludge were immobilized by at tachment to microporous plastic sheets [MPS™]. Biodegradation of phenol was accomplished by pumping a phenol solution through a reactor containing microorganisms attached to the MPS™ sheet. Biodegradation was the pri mary removal mechanism, with only 5% removal by abiotic means. Experi ments were conducted in batch recirculation flow and continuous flow con figurations. In batch mode biodegradation rates showed a strong dependency on recirculation flow rates. In continuous mode, a residence time of 1.4 hours was needed for 50% conversion at steady state. Consumption of phenol and dis solved oxygen showed parallel trends throughout the experiments.