Biological oxidation of organic micropollutants by aerobic methanotrophs in membrane aerated bioreactors – impact of methane loading rate

Anders T. Mortensen, Tal Elad, Kai Tang, Henrik R. Andersen, Barth F. Smets, Borja Valverde-Pérez*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to conferencePaperResearch

Abstract

Pharmaceuticals present in wastewater effluents threaten the water environment. Conventional technologies show limited removal of organic micropollutants. Methanotrophic bacteria can degrade many organic micropollutants, while allowing nutrient recovery. We grew a methanotrophic enrichment at three CH4 loading rates in a membrane aerated bioreactor (MABR). Biomass productivity increased with CH4 loading, with a maximum productivity of 372 mg VSS·L-1·d-1. At highest CH4 loading 71% and 36% of nitrogen and phosphate were removed and sulfamethoxazole and 1H-benzotriazole were removed at rates of 3.58 L·g-1·d-1 and 5.42 L·g-1·d-1, respectively, outperforming activated sludge and MBBR systems. The MABR showed potential as a polishing step for secondary effluent. Nutrients were removed via assimilation into microbial protein. Average protein content was 39%, which is in the low end for methanotrophs. However, given the amino acid profile, biomass would be suitable as plant bio-stimulant. The MABR off-gas was well below 5% (v/v) CH4, avoiding explosion risk.
Original languageEnglish
Publication date2022
Number of pages5
Publication statusPublished - 2022
Event12th Micropol & Ecohazard Conference - University of Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
Duration: 6 Jun 202210 Jun 2022
Conference number: 12

Conference

Conference12th Micropol & Ecohazard Conference
Number12
LocationUniversity of Santiago de Compostela
Country/TerritorySpain
CitySantiago de Compostela
Period06/06/202210/06/2022

Keywords

  • Hydrophobic membranes
  • Methane oxidizing bacteria
  • Microbial protein
  • Organic micropollutants

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