Removal of xenobiotics in a two phase sequencing batch reactor: kinetics and modelling

The objectives of the paper are to verify the potentialities of a sequential two phase partitioning bioreactor in degrading xenobiotics and to evaluate the kinetic parameters for modelling the system. The target compound investigated was the 4-nitrophenol. Preliminary tests were carried out to define the solvent most appropriate for the compound. Among the three investigated solvents 1-undecanol, 2-undecanon and oleyl alcohol, the 2-undecanon was chosen because of the higher partition coefficient of 30 and the negligible formation of emulsions. Moreover, the tested solvent showed satisfactory "biocompatibility" characteristics for the biomass with minor effects on the intrinsic kinetics. Parallel batch kinetic tests were then performed with the conventional one phase and the two phase systems. In the two phase system the biomass is exposed for all the time to 4NP concentrations that are significantly lower if compared to the conventional system and, for the highest concentration (450 mg/l) in the two phase system a reduction of the reaction time is observed depending on the biomass concentration. Kinetic parameters were also evaluated in both cases by fitting of the experimental data with a modified form of the Haldane equation.