Biological removal of p-cresol, phenol, p-hydroxybenzoate and ammonium using a nitrifying continuous-flow reactor

Phenolic compounds biodegradation and its effect on the nitrification process were studied. A continuous stirrer tank reactor was operated in four stages, and phenolic compounds were fed as sequential way. In the first stage, at loading rate of 220 mg NH4+–N/L d, the consumption efficiency was of 91%, being the product, nitrate. After that, p-cresol was fed at 53 mg C/L d, reaching removal efficiencies for both substrates higher than 90%. In the third stage, p-hydroxybenzoate was fed at 56 mg C/L d, and the removal efficiencies for all substrates remained high. In the last stage, the reactor was fed at 54 mg C/L d of phenol, and it caused a diminishing on the ammonium removal efficiency; however, all phenolic compounds were efficiently removed. Kinetic results showed that the presence of each phenolic compound improved the ammonium oxidizing activity, but the nitrite oxidizing activity was not affected.

► Simultaneous oxidation of phenolic compounds and ammonium. ► Efficient removal in continuous-flow. ► Phenolic compounds improve ammonium oxidizing activity.