Eighth International Water Technology Conference, IWTC8 2004, Alexandria, Egypt

BIODEGRADATION OF HIGH CONCENTRATION OF PHENOL

IN WASTEWATER TREATMENT BY BIOFILM
DEVELOPED IN SAND SOIL MEDIA

Medhat Moustafa

Sanitary Engineering Department, Alexandria University,

21544 Alexandria, Egypt

ABSTRACT

The aim of this study is to evaluate the biodegradation performance of phenol in a

fixed biofilm developed in sand soil media. The parameters which had been studied
and may influence the biodegradation were: a) the grain size of sand, b) the rate of
flow, and c) the initial phenol loading. Laboratory scale of two columns with inner
diameter of 5 cm was used. The first column was packed with fine sand (0.8 mm)
while the second column was packed with coarse sand (2.50 mm). Synthetic waste
enriched with nuitrent was fed and recirculated to the top of columns. Phenol was
introduced to the top of the sand layer. Daily samples were taken and analysed for:
phenol, COD, pH, and suspended solids. The results indicated that grain size has no
effect on phenol removal. The low rate of flow resulted better performance while the
high loading of phenol slowed down the microbial activity.

Keywords:
Phenol - Biofilm in sand soil - Effective grain size - Rate of flow - Phenol
concentration.

INTRODUCTION

Phenol (C6H5OH) is considered a hazardous compound in wastewater. Its

impact implies the inhibition of biological activity of microorganism which is
responsible for the stabilization of organic load in industrial and domestic effluents
[1]. Phenol is used extensively in the synthesis of organic products, particularly
phenolic-type resins.
 Eighth International Water Technology Conference, IWTC8 2004, Alexandria, Egypt

It occurs as a natural component in industrial wastes from petrochemicals, coal-

coking, petroleum refining, pharmaceutical plants and as well as in a side variety of
industrial wastes from processes involving the use of phenol as a raw material [2].

Biofilms are microbial layers on the surfaces of solids or liquids. In nature, by

far the greater percentage of bacteria live in biofilms e.g., on stones, in the soil and on
the surface of the water. Biofilms are comprised of microorganisms, water, inclused
particles, dissolved matter and gelatinous substances which are produced by the
bacteria. Microorganisms living in biofilms are more protected than free bacteria
suspended in water. Immobilization allows them to survive dry periods, toxic
substances and longer phases in which there is a lack of nutrition. In biofilms, aerobic,
anoxic and anaerobic zone develop in close proximity to each other. So that the
different types of bacteria can live together in a very confined spaces. In addition, the
advanced age of the sludge promotes the development of specialist and groups of
bacteria that, e.g., interact in degrading the pollutants. Consequently, biofilm layers are
particularly effective in the case of low substrate concentrations and substances which
are difficult to degrade.

The concept of using biological treatment to remove phenol was first reported
in 1920s [3]. Since then there have been many reports that discuss general design and
operational guidelines for biological treatment of wastewater containing phenolic
compounds. The existence of microbes capable of degrading phenolic compounds has
been studied in laboratory experiments [4,5].

The main technique of the present study is based on recycling of synthetic

wastewater to the top of the soil surface so that it could enable biological activity of
biomass to remove the contaminate phenol until a final, maximal and best achievable
stage [6]. The objectives of the present work were to study the influence of three
different parameters on the performance of phenol biodegradation by biofilm. These
three parameters were:
1- The effective grain size of sand.
2- The flow rate of recycled water.
3- The initial phenol loading on sand.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

1- Apparatus

To achieve the objectives of this work, two identical Perspex columns with
internal diameter of 5 cm were used. The first column was packed with clean pre-
washed fine sand of effective grain size 0.8 mm. The second column was packed with
coarse sand of effective grain size 2.5 mm. In both columns the sand was under laid by
15 cm gravel to support the sand layer and to prevent the escape of the sand with the
effluent. A-10 liter tank was placed in order to collect the effluent and recirculate it to
the top of columns by the use of peristaltic pumps as shown in Figure (1). Phenol
 Eighth International Water Technology Conference, IWTC8 2004, Alexandria, Egypt

solution with initial known concentrations was introduced to the top of the sand layer.
To create the microbial layers of biofilm, the system was seeded with activated sludge
wastewater from nearby wastewater treatment plant [Kafer el-Dawar wastewater
treatment plant] was pumped via peristaltic pump for three weeks before operating.

5 cm 5 cm

Coarse Sand Fine Sand

100 cm 100 cm

Gravel Gravel
15 cm 15 cm

Collecting Tank Pump Collecting Tank Pump

Figure (1). Schematic diagram of the experimental system

2- Operating Conditions

Three runs were carried out to observe the influence exerted by the three
studied parameters. The first run was characterized by keeping constant flow rate and
identical initial phenol loading to study the effect of the grain size. To study the effect
of flow rates, three different flow rates operated in parallel on both sand columns
keeping identical phenol loading. In the third run the rate of flow was kept constant at
different phenol loading to observe the effect of the phenol concentration. All of the
runs were carried out at the ambient temperature (25oC).

3- Synthetic Waste and Sampling

To ensure adequate experimental control of the system a synthetic waste feed

was used during the phases of the research. Between runs the columns were washed
with tap water before the start of the next run. The tank for the recycling water
contained 10liter of tap water enriched by 5 g/l glucose, 1.165 g/l Na3PO412H2O and
0.88 g/l (NH4)2SO4 [7]. Samples were daily collected from the recycled liquid and
analyzed of phenol, chemical oxygen demand (COD), pH and suspended solids. All
the analytical work was done following the procedure mentioned in the 15th edition of
the Standard Methods for Examination of Water and Wastewater, 1995 [8].
 Eighth International Water Technology Conference, IWTC8 2004, Alexandria, Egypt

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

As described above the experimental work can be summarized in the exposures

of phenol applied at the top of the columns which bioremediated by continuous
recycling of aqueous solution enriched by nutrients. The results of the first group of
runs are shown in Figures (2, 3). The results represent the effect of grain size
distribution on the COD and phenol removal at identical phenol loading [100 mg/l]
and flow rate [0.45 L/h]

As can be seen from the figures, there is no major difference could be observed
as being influenced by the effective size of the sand grains. Although the fine sand
enables higher and acclimated microbial densities as compared to coarse. The higher
amounts of attached biomass mainly concentrated at the top of the columns. The
relatively uniform biofilm distribution in the coarse sand could explain its better
performance.

100

80
Percentage phenol removal

60

40 Fine Media
Coarse Media
20

0
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
Time (day)

Figure (2). Effect of grain size on phenol removal

100

80
Percentage COD removal

60

40
Fine Media
20 Coarse Media

0
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
Time (day)

Figure (3). Effect of grain size on COD removal

 Eighth International Water Technology Conference, IWTC8 2004, Alexandria, Egypt

The results of the second group of runs are shown in Figures (4, 5). These runs
were based on different flow rates [0.36, 0.45 and 0.54 L/h] for both columns and
identical phenol loading [100 mg/l]. Figures (4, 5) indicate that the lower flow rate
enable better biodegradation of phenol and COD.

100
Percentage phenol removal

80

60

40
0.36 L/h

20 0.45 L/h
0.54 L/h
0
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
Time (day)

Figure (4). Effect of flow rate on phenol removal

100
Percentage COD removal

80

60
0.36 L/h
40
0.45 L/h
20 0.54 L/h

0
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
Time (day)

Figure (5). Effect of flow rate on COD removal

The achieved removal of phenol and COD was the results of the third group of
runs are shown in Figures (6, 7). These runs were based on constant flow rate [0.45
L/h] and different phenol loading. The phenol loading applies on the top were 200 and
100 mg/L respectively. As shown in the figures, the high loading of phenol applied on
the top of the columns slowed down the microbial activity.
 Eighth International Water Technology Conference, IWTC8 2004, Alexandria, Egypt

100

Percentage phenol removal

80

60

40
100 mg/L Phenol
20
200 mg/L Phenol

0
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
Time (day)

Figure (6). Effect of phenol loading on phenol removal

100
Percentage COD removal

80

60

40
100 mg/L Phenol
20 200 mg/L Phenol

0
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
Time (day)

Figure (7). Effect of phenol loading on COD removal

The high removal percentage either in phenol or COD could be explained by the
assumption that the amount of acclimated biomass in the column increased as more
contaminant has been biodegraded. As a result the reduction of phenol and COD
concentration in the recycled liquid occurred.

CONCLUSION
1. Phenol with high rate can be remediated by biofilm developed in sand soil
media, the achieved removal of phenol and COD was about 90% and 87%
respectively.
2. The grain size of sand has a little effect on phenol biodegradation since the
relatively uniform biofilm distribution in the coarse sand compensates the high
 Eighth International Water Technology Conference, IWTC8 2004, Alexandria, Egypt

acclimated microbial density. The rate of flow is very important factor in the
process.
3. The flow rate is very important factor in the biological removal process of
phenol and COD.
4. High load of phenol slowed down the microbial activity

REFERENCES

[1] Wesche, K.D. and Lotfy, H.R. “Biokinetic Parameters of Phenol Removal from
Wastewater via BOD Test”.
[2] Sawyer, C.N., McCarty, P.L., “Chemistry for Environmental Engineering 3rd
Edition”. McGraw-Hill Book Co., London (1978).
[3] Vipulanandan C., Wang S. and Krishnan S., “Biodegradation of phenol
remediation of hazardous wastes contaminated soils”, Marcel Dekker, New York,
1994.
[4] Yoong, E.T. and Lant, P.A. “Biodegradation of High Strength Phenolic
Wastewater Using SBR”. Wat. Sci. Tech. Vol. 43, No.3,pp 299-306.
[5] Essa, M., Farooq, S. and Nackla, G. “Effect of biofilm on the physical properties
of sans contaminated with phenol”, J. Environ. Sci. Health, A32 (4), pp 1109-
1123, (1997)
[6] Antizarladislao, B., Katz, S. and Galil, N.I. “Phenol remediation by biofilm
developed in sand soil media”. Wat. Sci. Tech. Vol. 42, No. 1-2, pp. 99.
[7] El-Barki, W.A. “Treatment of Phenolic Wastewater”. M.Sc. thesis in Civil
Engineering, Alexandria University (2002).
[8] APHA (1995). Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater
15th Edition. American Public Health Association, Washington D.C.