Application of the down-flow fluidized bed to the anaerobic treatment of wine distillery wastewater

This paper presents the results of the operation of a down-flow anaerobic f luidized bed treating red wine distillery wastewater during 1.5 years (labo ratory scale). The carrier employed was ground perlite, an expanded volcani c rock (density 213 kg m(-1), diameter 0.968 mm). After a 2 months start-up period, organic loading rate (OLR) was increased stepwise by reducing hydr aulic retention time (HRT). The system attained carbon removal efficiency r ates between 75 and 95%, at a OLR of 17 kg TOC m(-3) d(-1) (total organic c arbon), at an HRT of 0.35 days. The results observed showed that the invers e fluidized bed can be an interesting option for anaerobic wastewater treat ment. (C) 1998 IAWQ Published by Elsevier Science Ltd. Ail rights reserved.