Biological oxidation of sulphides by microorganisms present in the scum layer of UASB reactors treating domestic wastewater.

This study aimed at the identification of microorganisms present in the scum layer of the settler compartment of upflow anaerobic sludge blanket (UASB) reactors, and to evaluate their role in the biological oxidation of sulphides. The experiments were conducted using scum samples taken from two pilot-scale UASB reactors, both treating domestic wastewater. Microorganisms similar to Beggiatoa sp., Thiotrix sp. and species of cyanobacteria were identified based on their morphology, and most of them have been shown to be capable of carrying out sulphur oxidation. Tests of biological oxidation of sulphides using scum and cultures of the cyanobacteria Phormidium and Pseudoanabaena showed a significant decrease in the concentrations of the sulphides, suggesting that the microorganisms present in the scum layer can play a role in the minimization of odour emissions.

Conceptual analysis of the UASB/polishing pond system regarding the removal of surfactants, micropollutants and control of gaseous emissions.

A conceptual and integrated analysis of the UASB/Polishing Pond system is presented in relation to the removal of specific constituents not normally covered in the pond's literature, namely surfactants (linear alkylbenzene sulphonate, LAS), micropollutants (phthalates and bisphenol A) and sulfide. Experimental studies carried out on a small full-scale UASB/PP system have shown limited overall removal efficiencies for some constituents (53% to 70% for phthalates and 50% for LAS), but excellent removal levels for bisphenol A (around 99%) and sulfide (no trace concentrations were detected in the second and third ponds of the series). Further research is needed to investigate possible limitations and to identify means to improve the performance of the UASB/PP system.