Biological treatment of biomass gasification wastewater using hydrocarbonoclastic bacterium Rhodococcus opacus in an up-flow packed bed bioreactor with a novel waste-derived nano-biochar based bio-support material. (20th May 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Goswami, Lalit; Pakshirajan, Kannan; Pugazhenthi, G.
• Is Part Of: Journal of cleaner production. Volume 256(2020)
• Publication Date: 2020-05-20
• Subjects: Biomass gasification wastewater -- Biological treatment -- Packed bed bioreactor -- Rhodococcus opacus -- Biochar -- Bio-support material; Factory and trade waste -- Management -- Periodicals; Manufactures -- Environmental aspects -- Periodicals; Déchets industriels -- Gestion -- Périodiques; Usines -- Aspect de l'environnement -- Périodiques; 628.5
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jclepro.2020.120253
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0959-6526

Abstract

Abstract: Wastewater from biomass gasification chiefly contains monocyclic (MAHs) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) that are generated by wet scrubbing process of raw synthetic gas during its cleaning process. These MAHs and PAHs are well-known as toxic, mutagenic, and carcinogenic agents which need to be removed prior to their release into the environment. The present study evaluated the potential of an up-flow packed bed bioreactor (UFPBBR) with immobilized Rhodococcus opacus onto biochar loaded polyurethane foam (PUF) as the packing material for treating biomass gasification wastewater (BGWW). Initially, the bioreactor was operated utilizing only PUF as the support material and a maximum COD removal of 81 ± 2.65% was achieved with 1820 mg L −1 of influent COD concentration and 24 h of HRT. Using biochar loaded PUF as the support material; more than 95 ± 1.27% of COD removal was attained under the same COD loading condition and HRT. Furthermore, the wastewater was detoxified to 96.2% demonstrating the ability of UFPBBR system using the novel biochar based bio-support material for biomass gasification wastewater treatment. Graphical abstract: Image 1 Highlights: Continuous treatment of biomass gasification wastewater using R. opacus is reported. Biochar loaded polyurethane foam is an excellent bio-support material. More than 99% toxicity removal from the wastewater could be achieved. Stable performance is achieved even at low inlet loading and shock loading conditions.