Abstract

CERVANTES-ZEPEDA, A.I. et al. Physicochemical and microbial characterization of the treated wastewater in a pilot scale UASB reactor. Rev. Mex. Ing. Quím [online]. 2011, vol.10, n.1, pp.67-77. ISSN 1665-2738.

In this article the physicochemical and microbiological characterization of the treated wastewater in a pilot scale UASB reactor operated at an HRT of 5 hours, during the winter in Mexico City was made. The methanogenic activity determination was made for the sludge and the characterization for influent and effluent was made through the organic matter and suspended solids content, pH, alkalinity and inorganic ions, and as well as the quantification of total and fecal coliform bacteria, protozoa and helminth eggs. The methane productivity for the residual wastewater was of 0.016 b CH₄ / L_R·d and the removal efficiency of the total and soluble organic matter was of 25.4±7.2 and 30±8.2%, respectively. The mean total suspended solids content in the influent was of 60±8.6 mg/L with a removal efficiency of 24±9%. The pH level was around 7.5 and 8.6, with high levels of alkalinity (around 0.8). In the effluent a reduction in the sulfate content was found and an increase in ammonium and orthophosphates concentration. The total and fecal coliform bacteria diminished in a 90% and the helminth egg reduction was between 89.5 and 98%. Some protozoa were found and the genera Frontonia and Spirostomum predominated.

Keywords : methane productivity; municipal waste water; pathogen removal; UASB reactor; waste water treatment.

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