Continuous removal of hydrogen peroxide with immobilised catalase for wastewater reuse

Abstract

Hydrogen peroxide was continuously removed for wastewater reuse using an immobilised biocatalyst. A commercial catalase, which is an enzyme to decompose hydrogen peroxide to water and oxygen, was entrapped in chitosan beads. Hydrogen peroxide in aqueous solutions of varying pH, temperature and concentration was continuously removed through a reactor containing the catalase-entrapped chitosan beads at high efficiency for 24 h. Additional silicate coating of the chitosan beads resulted in significant improvements in the catalase performance under harsh conditions, which are often found in peroxide-based industrial processes. We expect that immobilisation of catalases can enhance their applicability for continuous degradation of hydrogen peroxide for wastewater reuse.