Use of membrane bioreactors for the bioremediation of chlorinated compounds polluted groundwater.
Chlorinated compounds are widely used in agricultural applications where they are employed as components of pesticides; this leads often to pollution of groundwater near to agricultural sites, with serious effects for human health. The aim of the present study was the development of a membrane bioreactor, a new and effective water treatment technology, for the bioremediation of water polluted by 1,2-dichloroethane, 1,2-dichlorobenzene and 2-chlorophenol. Before starting-up the MBR system, a biomass was acclimated, to simultaneously degrade the three chlorinated compounds; then the acclimated biomass was inoculated into the MBR. The results showed a higher removal rate for 1,2-dichloroethane than for 1,2-dichlorobenzene; besides, the presence of 1,2-dichlorobenzene together with 1,2-dichloroethane decreased 1,2-dichloroethane specific removal rate. 2-chlorophenol was degraded only in presence of phenol as co-substrate, and the presence of phenol and 2-chlorophenol decreased 1,2-dichloroethane specific removal rate of approximately eight times, while 1,2-dichlorobenzene specific removal rate was not affected.
Carucci
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Department of Geoengineering and Environmental Technologies (DIGITA), University of Cagliari, Piazza D'Armi 1, Cagliari, 09123, Italy. carucci@unica.it
Manconi
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I
Manigas
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D001419:Bacteria / Q000378:metabolism*; D001673:Biodegradation, Environmental; D019149:Bioreactors; D002849:Chromatography, Gas; D005285:Fermentation; D005618:Fresh Water / Q000737:chemistry*; D006843:Hydrocarbons, Chlorinated / Q000032:analysis / Q000378:metabolism*; D008567:Membranes, Artificial; D014874:Water Pollutants, Chemical / Q000032:analysis / Q000378:metabolism*; D018508:Water Purification / Q000379:methods*
D006843:Hydrocarbons, Chlorinated; D008567:Membranes, Artificial; D014874:Water Pollutants, Chemical