Effect of anaerobic digestion at 35, 55 and 60 °C on pharmaceuticals and organic contaminants

2014 ◽  
Vol 69 (6) ◽  
pp. 1282-1288 ◽  
Author(s):  
Å. Davidsson ◽  
H. Kjerstadius ◽  
S. Haghighatafshar ◽  
J. Fick ◽  
M. Olsson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Anaerobic Digestion ◽  
Organic Contaminants ◽  
Wastewater Treatment Plants ◽  
Pharmaceutical Compounds ◽  
Commercial Fertilizer ◽  
Low Concentrations ◽  
Treated Sewage ◽  
Polycyclic Aromatic ◽  
Individual Pahs

The application of treated sewage sludge on farmland is a suggested method for recycling nutrients and reducing demand for commercial fertilizer. However, sludge needs to be safe from possible contaminants which can cause acute and long-term health and environmental problems. Residual pharmaceuticals and organic contaminants are mentioned as emerging threats since wastewater treatment plants are not designed to degrade these substances. The aim of this study was to screen and evaluate the presence, and reduction, of pharmaceuticals and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) during anaerobic digestion of mixed primary and waste-activated sludge at 35, 55 and 60 °C and during pasteurization at 70 °C. The study showed the difficulty of analysing pharmaceutical compounds in low concentrations in the sludge matrix. No general reduction of these compounds was seen during treatment, but for individual substances some reduction occured. The PAHs were generally not reduced during digestion or pasteurization, but for three substances (indeno[1,2,3-cd]pyrene and dibenzo[a,h]anthracene (analysed together) and benzo[g,h,i]perylene) reduction (up to 60%) during digestion was seen. Digestion at 35 and 55 °C resulted in about the same order of reduction of the three individual PAHs, which was higher than for digestion at 60 °C.

Biodegradation of PAH and DEHP micro-pollutants in mesophilic and thermophilic anaerobic sewage sludge digestion

2006 ◽  
Vol 53 (8) ◽  
pp. 99-107 ◽  
Author(s):  
T. Benabdallah El-Hadj ◽  
J. Dosta ◽  
J. Mata-Álvarez
Keyword(s):  
Anaerobic Digestion ◽  
Wastewater Treatment Plants ◽  
Economic Cost ◽  
Process Efficiency ◽  
Sludge Digestion ◽  
Thermophilic Conditions ◽  
Polycyclic Aromatic ◽  
Positive Effect ◽  
Process Product ◽  
Micro Pollutants

Anaerobic digestion for the treatment of sludge in wastewater treatment plants has been reported to produce a low organic loaded effluent with an acceptable economic cost. But in the last years, new regulations and the increasing sludge production invite us to find an alternative and/or to improve the process efficiency. Moreover, the use of the effluent as fertilizer in agriculture imposes more restrictions on digestion process product and its micropollutant contents to protect the environment. In this study, a performance of the anaerobic digestion under mesophilic and thermophilic conditions at different hydraulic retention times (HRT) is assessed and the removal efficiencies of two important compounds or family compounds (Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons, PAH, and Di-2-(Ethyl-Hexyl)-Phthalate, DEHP) are evaluated. A positive effect of thermophilic temperature was observed on both micropollutants' biodegradation. However, HRT effect also had an important role for DEHP and low molecular weighted PAH removal.

Evaluation of the aerobic and anaerobic biodegradability of the antibiotic norfloxacin

2014 ◽  
Vol 70 (2) ◽  
pp. 265-271 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lucilaine Valéria de Souza Santos ◽  
Danusa Campos Teixeira ◽  
Raquel Sampaio Jacob ◽  
Míriam Cristina Santos do Amaral ◽  
Liséte Celina Lange
Keyword(s):  
Anaerobic Digestion ◽  
Industrial Wastewater ◽  
Biological Treatment ◽  
Wastewater Treatment Plants ◽  
Test Organism ◽  
Pharmaceutical Compounds ◽  
Treatment Processes ◽  
Anaerobic Biodegradability ◽  
Aliivibrio Fischeri ◽  
Aerobic And Anaerobic

The purpose of studying the biodegradability of pharmaceutical compounds is to evaluate their behaviors in relation to the treatment processes generally used in domestic and industrial wastewater treatment plants. The antibiotic norfloxacin was found to be a recalcitrant compound. The studies conducted showed norfloxacin removal rates of 12% and 18% when biomasses from treatments with activated sludge and anaerobic biodigesters, respectively, were used without acclimatization. This suggests that anaerobic digestion shows better performance for norfloxacin removal. Ecotoxicological tests, using the luminescent marine bacteria Aliivibrio fischeri as the test organism, show that anaerobic digestion could eliminate the toxicity of the antibiotic norfloxacin, even though total degradation of the drug was not observed. The release of norfloxacin during cell lysis suggests the importance of controlling this phenomenon in biological treatment systems that handle wastewater contaminated with norfloxacin, thus preventing the return of this drug to the environment.

scholarly journals The role of organic matter and clay content in sediments for bioavailability of pyrene

2017 ◽  
Vol 77 (2) ◽  
pp. 439-447 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jelena Spasojević ◽  
Snežana Maletić ◽  
Srđan Rončević ◽  
Marko Grgić ◽  
Dejan Krčmar ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Organic Matter ◽  
Organic Contaminants ◽  
Strong Association ◽  
Great Influence ◽  
Clay Content ◽  
A Value ◽  
Bioavailable Fraction ◽  
Polycyclic Aromatic

Abstract Evaluation of the bioavailable fractions of organic contaminants such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) is extremely important for assessing their risk to the environment. This available fraction, which can be solubilised and/or easily extracted, is believed to be the most accessible for bioaccumulation, biosorption and/or transformation. Sediment organic matter (OM) and clay play an important role in the biodegradation and bioavailability of PAHs. The strong association of PAHs with OM and clay in sediments has a great influence not only on their distribution but also on their long-term environmental impact. This paper investigates correlations between bioavailability and the clay and OM contents in sediments. The results show that OM is a better sorbent for pyrene (chosen as a model PAH) and that increasing the OM content reduces the bioavailable fraction. A mathematical model was used to predict the kinetic desorption, and these results showed that the sediment with the lowest content of OM had an Ffast value of 24%, whereas sediment with 20% OM gave a value of 9%. In the experiments with sediments with different clay contents, no clear dependence between clay and rate constants of the fast desorbing fractions was observed, which can be explained by the numerous possible interactions at the molecular level.

Multiresidue Analysis of Insecticides and Other Selected Environmental Contaminants in Poultry Manure by Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry

2014 ◽  
Vol 97 (4) ◽  
pp. 978-986 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ramón Aznar ◽  
Beatriz Albero ◽  
Consuelo Sánchez-Brunete ◽  
Esther Miguel ◽  
José L Tadeo
Keyword(s):  
Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons ◽  
Aromatic Hydrocarbons ◽  
Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers ◽  
Organic Contaminants ◽  
Poultry Manure ◽  
Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry ◽  
Multiresidue Analysis ◽  
Modified Quechers ◽  
Low Concentrations ◽  
Polycyclic Aromatic

Abstract An analytical method was developed for the simultaneous determination in poultry manure of 41 organic contaminants belonging to different chemical classes: pesticides, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, polychlorinated biphenyls, and polybrominated diphenyl ethers. Poultry manure was extracted with a modified QuEChERS method, and the extracts were analyzed by isotope dilution GC/MS. Recovery of these contaminants from samples spiked at levels ranging from 25 to 100 ng/g was satisfactory for all the compounds. The developed procedure provided LODs from 0.8 to 9.6 ng/g. The analysis of poultry manure samples collected on different farms confirmed the presence of some of the studied contaminants. Pyrethroids and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons were the main contaminants detected. DDT and its metabolite DDE were also found but at relatively low concentrations.

scholarly journals THE DIFFERENT FACES OF BIOCHAR: CONTAMINATION RISK VERSUS REMEDIATION TOOL

2017 ◽  
Vol 25 (2) ◽  
pp. 86-104 ◽  
Author(s):  
Isabel HILBER ◽  
Ana Catarina BASTOS ◽  
Susana LOUREIRO ◽  
Gerhard SOJA ◽  
Aleksandra MARSZ ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Aromatic Hydrocarbons ◽  
Organic Contaminants ◽  
Contaminated Soils ◽  
Field Studies ◽  
Distribution Coefficients ◽  
Inorganic Contaminants ◽  
Polycyclic Aromatic ◽  
Source And Sink ◽  
Term Field

This article reviews the different aspects of biochar as source and sink of organic and inorganic contaminants. Biochar can contain organic contaminants such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons or heavy metals. As the distribution coefficients of the biochar especially for contaminants are high, the freely dissolved concentrations are low and with that also the bioavailability. The link between biochar’s inherent contaminants and toxicity to soil meso– and macro–fauna remains unclear, with data being often contradictory and influenced by feedstock and pyrolysis conditions. The biochar’s potential to remediate contaminated soils has mainly been addressed in lab studies, but rarely in the field. This far, results have been contradicting. Many studies reported successful immobilization of contaminants but some not. In summary, the ambivalent face of the biochar with regard to contaminants prevails. In future, long term field studies are needed to properly address the sustainability of biochar in this respect.

scholarly journals Occurrence of Pharmaceutical Compounds in Groundwater from the Gran Canaria Island (Spain)

Water ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (3) ◽  
pp. 262
Author(s):  
Sarah Montesdeoca-Esponda ◽  
María del Pino Palacios-Díaz ◽  
Esmeralda Estévez ◽  
Zoraida Sosa-Ferrera ◽  
José Juan Santana-Rodríguez ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Wastewater Treatment Plants ◽  
Extraction Procedure ◽  
Pharmaceutical Compounds ◽  
Soil Leachate ◽  
In Situ Extraction ◽  
Gran Canaria ◽  
Groundwater Samples ◽  
Treated Sewage ◽  
Target Analytes ◽  
Relationship Of

The presence of pharmaceutical compounds in the whole environment is a growing concern. These compounds might be present in the effluents of wastewater treatment plants and, hence, irrigation with treated sewage may be a source of groundwater pollution. The volcanic aquifer that lies NE of Gran Canaria (Spain) was studied to address the relationship of the occurrence of pharmaceutical compounds and a golf course that has been irrigated with regenerated water since 1973. Of the 14 analyzed groundwater samples, five wells were chosen to perform annual monitoring. Irrigation water and soil leachate were also evaluated. The target analytes were atenolol, metamizole, fluoxetine, ibuprofen, nicotine, permethrin, caffeine, and their metabolite paraxanthine. The environmental risk is limited as the concentrations of the pharmaceuticals measured in the sampled wells were always below 60 ng·L−1 (lower than the detected caffeine and nicotine concentrations). Wide variations for the same wells were measured among sampling campaigns, and also among the different wells. The study points to the importance of sample conservation during transport and the need to perform analyses immediately, or to follow an in-situ extraction procedure to carry concentrated samples under better conditions.

scholarly journals Determination of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in Sludge from Water and Wastewater Treatment Plants by GC-MS

2019 ◽  
Vol 16 (14) ◽  
pp. 2604 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chih-Feng Chen ◽  
Yun-Ru Ju ◽  
Yee Cheng Lim ◽  
Shu-Ling Hsieh ◽  
Mei-Ling Tsai ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Wastewater Treatment ◽  
Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons ◽  
Aromatic Hydrocarbons ◽  
Wastewater Treatment Plants ◽  
Drinking Water Treatment ◽  
Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry ◽  
Water And Wastewater Treatment ◽  
Polycyclic Aromatic ◽  
Individual Pahs ◽  
Pahs Concentration

The qualitative and quantitative analysis of 16 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in sludge samples from drinking water treatment plants (DWTP) and wastewater treatment plants (WWTP) were established using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The method was suitable to quantify PAHs in the sludge of DWTP and WWTP and it was confirmed by the relevant quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) procedures. The recovery of individual PAHs in the spiked samples ranged from 74.3% to 108.7%. Detection limits of the analytical procedure were 0.0010–0.0046 mg/kg dw for individual PAHs. This method was used to determine the concentration of PAHs in the selected two DWTP and four WWTP sludge samples. The results showed that the total PAHs (∑PAHs) were in low levels which ranged from 0.0668 to 0.1357 mg/kg dw, and 0.5342–1.0666 mg/kg dw for DWTP and WWTP respectively. The 3- & 4-ring PAHs were predominant in DWTP sludge, ranging from 77.4% to 82.7%; the 4-ring PAHs were predominant in WWTP sludge, ranging from 40.7% to 47.6%. The PAHs of DWTP sludge are mainly composed of 3-ring phenanthrene and anthracene and 4-ring pyrene, and chrysene. The PAHs of WWTP sludge are dominated by 4-ring fluoranthene, pyrene, and chrysene. The detected PAHs concentration should be undoubtedly considered for agriculture in sludge applications based on the limits of the EU regulations. The results of this study can be used for regular monitoring to establish a reference for sludge management and application to agriculture.

scholarly journals Distribution of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in Sunken Oils in the Presence of Chemical Dispersant and Sediment

2019 ◽  
Vol 7 (9) ◽  
pp. 282 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gao ◽  
Xiong ◽  
Qi ◽  
Li ◽  
Ju ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Molecular Weight ◽  
Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons ◽  
Synergistic Effect ◽  
Aromatic Hydrocarbons ◽  
Chemical Dispersant ◽  
Significant Damage ◽  
Polycyclic Aromatic ◽  
Individual Pahs ◽  
Bench Experiment

The formation of sunken oils is mainly dominated by the interaction between spilled oils and sediments. Due to their patchiness and invisibility, cleaning operations become difficult. As a result, sunken oils may cause long-term and significant damage to marine benthonic organisms. In the present study, a bench experiment was designed and conducted to investigate the quantitative distribution of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in sunken oils in the presence of chemical dispersant and sediment. The oil sinking efficiency (OSE) of 16 priority total PAHs in the sediment phase was analyzed with different dosages of dispersant. The results showed that the synergistic effect of chemical dispersant and sediment promoted the formation of sunken oils, and the content of PAHs partitioned in the sunken oils increased with the increase of dispersant-to-oil ratios (DORs). Furthermore, with the addition of chemical dispersant, due to the solubility and hydrophobicity of individual PAHs, the high molecular weight (HMW) PAHs with 4–6 rings tended to partition to sediment compared with low molecular weight (LMW) PAHs with 2–3 rings. The synergistic effect of chemical dispersant and sediment could enhance the OSE of HMW PAHs in sunken oils, which might subsequently cause certain risks for marine benthonic organisms.

The relationship between the structure of activated sludge flocs and the sorption of hydrophobic pollutants

1998 ◽  
Vol 37 (4-5) ◽  
pp. 353-357 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. C. Finlayson ◽  
B. Liao ◽  
I. G. Droppo ◽  
G. G. Leppard ◽  
S. N. Liss
Keyword(s):  
Activated Sludge ◽  
Organic Contaminants ◽  
Ruthenium Red ◽  
Halogenated Hydrocarbons ◽  
Sludge Flocs ◽  
Floc Structure ◽  
Low Concentrations ◽  
Polycyclic Aromatic ◽  
Hydrophobic Pollutants ◽  
The Relationship

The relationships between the structure of minimally perturbed activated sludge flocs and the sorption of organic contaminants were studied. Sorption, settling velocity, size distributions, floc structure and EPS composition were all examined. The results show significant removal of selected halogenated hydrocarbons and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons by biosorption to activated sludge flocs. However, statistically significant effects on the settling or size of the flocs caused by this sorption were not observed. The addition of chromium (Cr(III)) metal ions to the biomass caused observable changes in the floc structure and decreased ruthenium red binding to the acidic polysaccharides of the floc matrix. At low concentrations (0.6 mg/l), chromium caused an increase in the sorption of organic compounds to flocs, suggesting that changes in the floc structure can be induced, which can have an impact on the sorption of pollutants to the flocs.

scholarly journals Energetic Potential for Biological Methanation in Anaerobic Sewage Sludge Digesters in Austria

Energies ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (20) ◽  
pp. 6618
Author(s):  
Joseph Tauber ◽  
Andreas Ramsbacher ◽  
Karl Svardal ◽  
Jörg Krampe
Keyword(s):  
Wastewater Treatment ◽  
Anaerobic Digestion ◽  
Wastewater Treatment Plants ◽  
Water Electrolysis ◽  
Green Energy ◽  
Electricity Production ◽  
Renewable Electricity ◽  
Carbon Cycles ◽  
Energy Flows

Biological methanation as a method of sector coupling between electric and gas grids is expected to be an integral part of the green energy change. Wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) involving anaerobic digestion (AD) allow existing infrastructure to operate as energy conversion plants, to close carbon cycles and to generate long-term storable energy in the form of biomethane. Therefore, municipal raw sludge and additional organic residuals (co-substrates) are converted into biogas. Hydrogen is added to convert the carbon dioxide in the biogas into methane via biological methanation (BM). In this study, the energy amount that is convertible via BM in municipal digesters in Austria was calculated. The amount of energy, which can be transformed from electric surplus energy into biomethane, was assessed. Operational data from lab-scale digesters were combined with data from 28 Austrian full-scale wastewater treatment plants with AD. They represent 9.2 Mio population equivalents (PE), or 68% of Austria’s municipal AD capacity for WWTPs > 50,000 PE (in sum, 13.6 Mio PE). Energy flows for BM including water electrolysis and anaerobic digestion were created on a countrywide basis. It was found that 2.9–4.4% (220–327 GWh·y−1) of Austria’s yearly renewable electricity production (7470 GWh·y−1) can be transformed into biomethane via BM in municipal digesters.

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