Leaching and accumulation of trace elements in sulfate reducing granular sludge under concomitant thermophilic and low pH conditions

Graciela Gonzalez-Gil, Sílvia I C Lopes, Pascal Saikaly, Piet Nl L Lens

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

21 Scopus citations

Abstract

The leaching and/or accumulation of trace elements in sulfate reducing granular sludge systems was investigated. Two thermophilic up-flow anaerobic sludge bed (UASB) reactors operated at pH 5 were fed with sucrose (4gCODl reactor -1d -1) and sulfate at different COD/SO 4 2- ratios. During the start-up of such acidogenic systems, an initial leaching of trace elements from the inoculum sludge occurred regardless of trace elements supplementation in the reactor influent. The granular sludge maintained the physical structure despite high Fe leaching. After start-up and nonetheless the acidic conditions, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Mo and Se were retained or accumulated by the sludge when added. Particularly, Ni and Co accumulated in the carbonates and exchangeable fractions ensuring potential bioavailability. Otherwise, the initial stock in the inoculum sludge sufficed to operate the process for nearly 1year without supplementation of trace elements and no significant sludge wash-out occurred. © 2012 Elsevier Ltd.
Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)238-246
Number of pages9
JournalBioresource Technology
Volume126
DOIs
StatePublished - Dec 2012

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Bioengineering
  • Environmental Engineering
  • Waste Management and Disposal

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Leaching and accumulation of trace elements in sulfate reducing granular sludge under concomitant thermophilic and low pH conditions'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this