Title: Removal of phenol using mushrooms and immobilized polyphenol oxidase in a plug flow reactor

Authors: Selma Ates, Muge Kilic

Addresses: Chemistry Department, Faculty of Art and Science, Gazi University, 06500 Teknikokullar, Ankara, Turkey. ' Chemistry Department, Faculty of Art and Science, Gazi University, 06500 Teknikokullar, Ankara, Turkey

Abstract: Phenols are toxic and hazardous pollutants, hence their removal from industrial effluents is important. In this study, edible mushroom particles, which are a cheap and natural source of polyphenol oxidase (PPO), were used directly for phenol removal in a plug flow reactor. Initially, 60% phenol removal was achieved, but this percentage decreased after a second use. When the reactor included PPO immobilised in chitosan gels, the percentage of phenol removal was 30%, and was stable even after the twelfth use.

Keywords: chitosan gels; immobilised polyphenol oxidase; mushroom particles; phenol removal; plug flow reactors; environmental pollution; phenolic effluents; wastewater treatment.

DOI: 10.1504/IJEP.2005.007610

International Journal of Environment and Pollution, 2005 Vol.23 No.4, pp.480 - 485

Published online: 19 Aug 2005 *

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