New biology for advanced wastewater treatment

A number of new technologies for the advanced treatment of wastewater have recently been developed. The oxidative cometabolic transformation by methan otrophs and by nitrifiers represent new approaches in relation to organic c arbon. The Biological Activated Carbon Oxidative Filters characterized by t hin biofilms are also promising in that respect. Moreover, implementing gen etically modified organisms with improved catabolic potential in advanced w ater treatment comes into perspective. For very refractory effluents chemic al support techniques, like e.g. strong chemical oxidation, can be lined up with advanced biology. (C) 1999 IAWQ Published by Elsevier Science Ltd. Al l rights reserved.