Biodegradation of DBP by Biofilm Reactor

Abstract

The removal efficiency of dibutyl phthalate (DBP) and its environmental hormone treated by biofilm reactor has been investigated. Besides, the the kinetic model of the degradation of DBP and its degradation products in the reactor have been discussed. The results indicate that the biofilm reactor had a positive effect on the removal of DBP and was able to significantly reduce the environmental hormone in DBP influent. The activity of β-galactosidase dropped from 13.55 millers to 3.3 millers and the removal efficiency of DBP reached 98.5% at water temperature 20°C and HRT (Hydraulic Retention Time) of 4 hours. The metabolic intermediate of DBP in the reactor mainly consisted of dibutyl phthalate and phthalic acid. The kinetic models of the degradation of DBP can be expressed by Lawrence-McCarty equation.