Aerobic granulation for 2,4-dichlorophenol biodegradation in a sequencing batch reactor

Development of aerobic granules for the biological degradation of 2,4-dichlorophenol (2,4-DCP) in a sequencing batch reactor was reported. A key strategy was involving the addition of glucose as a co-substrate and step increase in influent 2,4-DCP concentration. After operation of 39 d, stable granules with a diameter range of 1(-2) mm and a clearly defined shape and appearance were obtained. After granulation, the effluent 2,4-DCP and chemical oxygen demand concentrations were 4.8 mg1(-1) and 41 mg1(-1), with high removal efficiencies of 94% and 95%, respectively. Specific 2,4-DCP biodegradation rates in the granules followed the Haldane model for substrate inhibition, and peaked at 39.6 mg 2,4-DCP g(-1) VSS-1 h(-1) at a 2,4-DCP concentration of 105 mg1(-1). Efficient degradation of 2,4-DCP by the aerobic granules suggests their potential application in the treatment of industrial wastewater containing chlorophenols and other inhibitory chemicals. (C) 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.