Batch and continuous studies have been conducted on the treatment of black
Liquor from a kraft pulp and paper mill by a bacterial strain, Aeromonas fo
rmicans. The results of batch studies revealed that the strain was able to
remove 71% and 78% of COD and lignin respectively, while the colour removal
efficiency was around 86% in 10 days of retention time. The analysis of Li
gnin degradation products by gas chromatography after 20 days of incubation
revealed the formation of some phenolic acids, which were responsible for
the decrease in pH during batch studies. The removal efficiencies of GOD, c
olour and Lignin obtained in continuous reactor studies were 73, 88 and 77%
respectively for an 8 day detention period and these efficiencies were alm
ost the same as obtained in batch studies. (C) 2001 Society of Chemical Ind
ustry