ORIGINAL RESEARCH
Anaerobic Treatment of Industrial Wastewater
by UASB Reactor Integrated with Chemical
Oxidation Processes; an Overview
Abdullah Yasar, Amtul Bari Tabinda
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Sustainable Development Study Center GC University Lahore Pakistan
Pol. J. Environ. Stud. 2010;19(5):1051-1061
KEYWORDS
ABSTRACT
In order to upgrade the quality of anaerobically treated effluent to a level recommended for irrigation,
integration of a UASB reactor with UV and AOPs (advanced oxidation processes) (Ozone, H2O2/UV, Fenton,
and photo-Fenton) could be a better option for almost complete colour, COD removal, and disinfection of
pathogens. High efficiency of the UASB can be maintained by proper process conditions, including temperature,
sludge age, pH, hydraulic retention time, and gas-liquid-solid separator (GLSS) design. A fraction of the
COD and colour is usually non-biodegradable and renders difficulty for anaerobic digestion. AOPs degrade
the organic molecules and converting completely the organic compounds to non-toxic components such as
CO2 and/or water. As far as disinfection is concerned, advanced oxidation processes are proved to be extremely
effective in killing pathogens (total coliform, fecal coliform, fecal streptococci, salmonella, and E. coli) due
to their strong oxidative characters. Although AOPs effectively accomplish pathogen elimination, re-growth
of pathogenic microorganisms can take place in the treated effluent. Re-growth potential of pathogens provides
helpful information about the quality of the treated water, which is very important in all possible reuse
options. The combined application of AOPs with anaerobic treatment minimizes the chances of regrowth due
to irreparable damage to nucleic acid. This review paper focuses primarily on the process conditions and treatment
efficiency for UASB treatment systems, and to evaluate the advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) as an
option for post treatment.