Fixed-bed column recirculation system for investigation of sorption and biodegradation of organic pollutants in saturated sediment: a detailed design and development.
BACKGROUND
Sorption and biodegradation are the primary processes of organic pollution remediation in aquatic and soil/sediment environments. While researchers have substantially reported their findings regarding these processes, little attention has been given to description of experimental apparatus. This technical paper aims to present the development and detailed design of a fixed-bed column recirculation (FBCR) system which has been widely applied to investigate sorption and biodegradation of organic pollutants in aquatic and/or sediment environments.


RESULTS
The FBCR system was developed and tested by three experiments investigating sorption and biodegradation of two herbicides (isoproturon and mecoprop) in different saturated materials (hydrofilt and river sediment). Efficiency of the FBCR system was assessed according to criteria i.e. reliability, leaking inhibition, reproducibility, practical of use and cost. The results indicated that the latest version (Version 4) of the FBCR system has been significantly improved and ready to extend to similar studies.


CONCLUSIONS
This system is therefore recommended to researchers who intend to investigate the remediation of organic pollutants in aquatic, soil and sediment environments.
Institute for Environment and Resources, Vietnam National University of Hochiminh City, 142 To Hien Thanh Street, District 10, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam ; School of Environmental Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, NR4 7TJ UK.
Bao Son
0000-0003-3693-7164
BS
Trinh
School of Environmental Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, NR4 7TJ UK.
Brian
B
Reid
School of Environmental Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, NR4 7TJ UK.
Kevin
K
Hiscock
Biodegradation; Fixed-bed column recirculation; Organic pollutant; Sediment; Sorption