DEMONSTRATION OF BIOAUGMENTATION IN A FLUIDIZED-BED PROCESS TREATING 1-NAPHTHYLAMINE

The feasibility of using a fluidized-bed reactor with bioaugmentation to treat low-strength wastewater or slightly contaminated groundwater was evaluated. Tap water spiked with 1.6 to 12.6 mg/L of 1-naphthylami ne was treated in a fluidized-bed reactor with a hydraulic retention t ime of 6.2 to 13.3 h. With conventional operation, the reactor was una ble to maintain consistent-removal because of cell washout. Continuous removal efficiency was greater than 90% using bioaugmentation through periodic addition of acclimated cells from an off-line enricher-react or. The concept demonstrated by this research presents an alternative for biological treatment of wastes (dilute wastewaters and contaminate d groundwater) which are not normally considered good candidates for b iological treatment. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science Ltd.