Conceptual analysis of the UASB/polishing pond system regarding the removal of surfactants, micropollutants and control of gaseous emissions

Abstract

A conceptual and integrated analysis of the UASB/Polishing Pond system is presented in relation to the removal of specific constituents not normally covered in the pond's literature, namely surfactants (linear alkylbenzene sulphonate, LAS), micropollutants (phthalates and bisphenol A) and sulfide. Experimental studies carried out on a small full-scale UASB/PP system have shown limited overall removal efficiencies for some constituents (53% to 70% for phthalates and 50% for LAS), but excellent removal levels for bisphenol A (around 99%) and sulfide (no trace concentrations were detected in the second and third ponds of the series). Further research is needed to investigate possible limitations and to identify means to improve the performance of the UASB/PP system.

Emerging Pollutants

“…Researchers have clearly determined that a multibarrier approach to treatment of emerging pollutants is an appropriate means to provide excellent removal of a wide range of compounds. A conceptual and integrated analysis of the upflow anaerobic sludge blanket/polishing pond (UASB/PP) system was presented in relation to the removal of specific constituents not normally covered in literature, namely surfactants, the micropollutants including phthalate and bisphenol A, and sulfide (Chernicharo, et al, 2010).…”

Remoção de alquilbenzeno linear sulfonato em esgoto doméstico tratado em reator UASB e lagoa de polimento

“…Até o presente, existem poucos estudos sobre a remoção de LAS em sistemas biológicos em escala plena, em especial com reatores anaeróbios (CHERNICHARO et al, 2010), tampouco sobre toxicidade metanogênica e sobre remoção por biodegradação ou adsorção, quando o LAS é tratado em conjunto com esgotos domésticos.…”