(254ap) Response of Activated Sludge to the Presence of Phenol in Batch and Continuous Flow Systems

The activated sludge process probably the most important wastewater treatment technology used for both municipal and industrial wastewaters. The process utilizes microorganisms to decompose organic matter in wastewater. The activated sludge process is frequently subjected to various inhibitory pollutants, such as toxic organics, which have inhibitory effect on the biochemical reactions and decrease the efficiency of the wastewater treatment plants. This study presents the experimental results on the inhibition effects phenol on the activity of urban recycle activated sludge. The inhibition the biological processes was examined in batch activity tests by measuring the specific oxygen uptake rate (sOUR) and in continuous flow aerobic reactors equipped with porous membrane in order to retain the suspended solids, while allowing treated water to pass through. The continuous flow system was monitored by analysing the reactor mixture for total suspended solids (TSS), dissolved oxygen (DO) and pH and the treated effluent for total carbon (TC), total nitrogen (TN), phenol, NH₄⁺, NO₃^-, NO₂^- and several other ions (Na⁺, Ca⁺, Mg⁺, PO₄^3-, SO₄^2-, Cl^-).