The application of bioremediation: reduction of metal concentrations in river water and COD in distillery effluent

Abstract

The major aim of this study was to evaluate and develop artificial bioremediation systems to reduce or remove metal pollutants from contaminated river water and to decrease the chemical oxygen demand (COD) in distillery effluent. Metals were extracted using the nitric acid digestion method, and the concentrations determined using inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectrometry. A decrease in metal concentrations was observed for most of the metals analysed in the river water after being pumped through the bioreactor system for approximately two weeks, e.g. Al concentration decreased from 0.75mg.l(-1) to 0.18mg.l(-) and for Ni, from 0.19mg.l(-1) to 0 mg.l(-l). In addition, the COD counts decreased from 2255 mg.l(-1) to a final value of < 150 mg.l(-1) in the distillery effluent. It could thus be concluded that the bioreactor system decreased the COD and metal concentrations in the distillery effluent as well as the river water, respectively. A bioreactor is being evaluated on-site at a wine cellar to reduce COD and will be constructed at a site along the Plankenbrug River.

Distillery Stillage: Characteristics, Treatment, and Valorization

“…The system yielded 64% COD removal at 45°C and about 90% at 55°C. Jackson et al [44] used an aerated bioreactor to treat distillery stillage with a HRT of 14 days. COD was removed from 2255 to 150 mg/L.…”

Treatment of Wine Distillery Wastewater: A Review with Emphasis on Anaerobic Membrane Reactors

“…Combining distillery wastewaters with municipal or other wastewater may allow the toxic components to be diluted and facilitate treatment. Jackson et al (2007) used a bioreactor system to treat mixed metal-contaminated river water and distillery wastewater with a two-week HRT. The aluminium concentration decreased from 0.75 mg/L to 0.18 mg/L and nickel was completely removed (originally 0.19 mg/L), while the COD of the distillery wastewater was decreased from 2 255 mg/L to a final value of <150 mg/L.…”

Distillery wastewater: bioremediation approaches

“…Partial reduction of BOD and COD is achieved in many distilleries using biological treatment (Jawed and Tare 1999;Laubscher et al 2001;Wolmarans and De Villiers 2002;Coetzee et al 2004). Jackson et al (2007) used a bioreactor system to treat distillery wastewater with a two-week HRT. COD of the distillery wastewater was decreased from 2255 mg/l to a final value of 5 150 mg/l.…”