Effect of humate on biological treatment of wastewater containing heavy metals

This paper presents results of investigations on the influence of humic substances (humate, HS) on the biological treatment of wastewater containing heavy metals (Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, and Zn). Respirometric studies indicated that the investigated system complied with the Haldane model for inhibitory wastes. Chemical analyses showed that, while the soluble COD removal was high (82%), only 7% of ammonia was oxidized to nitrate. An addition of HS (500 mg L−1) mitigated the inhibitory effect of the wastewater on the returned activated sludge. The system with HS complied with the Monod model for non-inhibitory wastes, and the removal of ammonia and metals was 99% and over 90%, respectively. It is suggested that an application of HS could be beneficial for treatment plants receiving wastewater streams containing heavy metals.