Comparative study between biological treatment and a physicochemical treatment for the removal of Butyl Acetate in industrial residual effluents

Abstract

A comparison was made between a fixed aerobic biological process and a physicochemical treatment for waste effluents with butyl acetate. An acrylic tank with 100 L capacity and a support medium for PET bottles was implemented for the formation of the biofilm and thus develop the biological reactor. In the experimental phase, concentrations of 10, 20 and 30% of butyl acetate containing sample, using hydraulic retention times of: (16, 8, 5.33 and 4 days) for each concentration. After the experimentation, a removal of 99% of COD and 97% of BOD was obtained. For the physicochemical treatment, coagulant, flocculant, and adjuvants were used, by a jar test. A decrease in 74%, 53.8%, 55%, 97% and 37%, for electrical conductivity, total suspended solids, color, turbidity, COD and BOD respectively, were obtained compared to the initial sample. Both treatments were filtered through a bed packed with activated carbon, sand, and silica gravel. The aim of this work was to evaluate / quantify butyl acetate removal efficiency in each treatment for its subsequent comparison, with prospect to the reduction of similar pollutants in residual effluents is intended.