Population Dynamics of Phenol Degrading Microorganisms in Activated Sludge Process under the Stress of Phenolic Wastewater

Abstract

The process to gain and lose phenol degrading activity of activated sludge under different stress of phenol was studied by three types of operations, i.e. continuous flow reactor, aerobic SBR, and anaerobic/aerobic SBR under two types of loads, i.e. elevating and constant loads. The higher activity and tolerance under the higher concentration of phenol was gained in activated sludge of aerobic SBR under the constant high load. The higher phenolic stress, i.e. mixed liquor concentration of phenol, at the beginning of batch cycles seemed to increase the activity. Constant and low phenolic stress in continuous flow reactors and elevating load in SBR, however, could not build up tolerance and the higher degrading activity under the higher concentration of phenol. SBR operations which are able to give appropriate phenolic stress on activated sludge, even under the same daily loading of phenol as continuous flow reactor, would be preferable to build up and maintain the activity and to ensure stable operation of wastewater treatment even under shock loading. The degrading activity of activated sludge may be gained mainly by the increase in the ability of bacteria to degrade and tolerate phenol and not by the increase in population.