Title: Removal of pollutants from pulp and paper mill effluent by anaerobic and aerobic treatment in pilot-scale bioreactor

Authors: Pratibha Singh, Deepa Katiyar, Meera Gupta, Anoop Singh

Addresses: Department of Chemistry, JSS Academy of Technical Education, C21/1, Sector-62, Noida 201 309, India. ' Department of Chemistry, JSS Academy of Technical Education, C21/1, Sector-62, Noida 201 309, India. ' Department of Chemistry, JSS Academy of Technical Education, C21/1, Sector-62, Noida 201 309, India. ' Quantitative Sustainability Assessment, Department of Management Engineering, Technical University of Denmark, Denmark

Abstract: Pilot-scale anaerobic and aerobic treatment in a two-step bioreactor was performed for the removal of pollutants from pulp and paper mill effluent. After seven days of anaerobic treatment, colour (45%), lignin (60%), COD (26%) and adsorbable organic halogen (AOX) (20%) were reduced. The anaerobically treated effluent was then treated in a bioreactor in the presence of a fungal strain (Aspergillus fumigatus) or a bacterial strain (Pseudomonas ovalis). The results of this study indicated a reduction in colour (76% and 56%), lignin (78% and 68%), COD (85% and 78%) and AOX (70% and 82%) by Aspergillus fumigatus and Pseudomonas ovalis respectively.

Keywords: pulp and paper mills; effluent; anaerobic treatment; aerobic treatment; microorganisms; bioremediation; AOX; decolourisation; pollutant removal; bioreactors; wastewater treatment; lignin; adsorbable organic halogen; chemical oxygen demand.

DOI: 10.1504/IJEWM.2011.039480

International Journal of Environment and Waste Management, 2011 Vol.7 No.3/4, pp.423 - 431

Published online: 24 Jan 2015 *

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