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Journal of Sustainable Development of Energy, Water and Environment Systems, Vol. 7 No. 4, 2019.

Original scientific paper

https://doi.org/10.13044/j.sdewes.d7.0272

Potential for Waste Reduction in Activated Sludge Systems: Evaluation of the Initial Conditions of a Rapid Test with Rhamnolipid Biosurfactant

Verônica M. F. Alexandre ; Department of Biochemical Engineering, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Avenida Athos da Silveira Ramos, 149, Bloco E, Sala 203, Cidade Universitária, CEP 21941-909, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Melissa L. E. Gutarra ; Campus Xerém, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Estrada de Xerém, 27, Xerém, CEP 25245-390, Duque de Caxias, Brazil
Denise M. G. Freire ; Department of Biochemistry, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Avenida Athos da Silveira Ramos, 149, Bloco A, Sala 549-1, Cidade Universitária, CEP 21941-909, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Magali C. Cammarota ; Department of Biochemical Engineering, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Avenida Athos da Silveira Ramos, 149, Bloco E, Sala 203, Cidade Universitária, CEP 21941-909, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

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Abstract

Adding chemicals that alter the microbial metabolism and reduce cell growth, without affecting organic matter removal, is an alternative technology to reduce sludge production. This study was intended to determine the best initial conditions to conduct a rapid test (4 h), which evaluates the potential of chemicals to reduce microbial growth and chemical oxygen demand removal. A commercial biosurfactant was used as model product and a central composite design (face centered) was performed using substrate/inoculum ratio and rhamnolipid/inoculum ratio as independent variables, and cellular yield coefficient, substrate consumption rate, and specific oxygen uptake rate for exogenous respiration as response variables. Lower values of substrate/inoculum ratio permitted larger reductions of cellular yield coefficient with lower rhamnolipid concentrations. The best condition was 1.06 g chemical oxygen demand/g total suspended solids and 25 mg rhamnolipid/L or 25 mg rhamnolipid/g total suspended solids, which achieved a reduction of 50-75% in cellular yield coefficient.

Keywords

Sludge reduction; Activated sludge; Biosurfactant; Rhamnolipid; Waste minimization.

Hrčak ID:

224127

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/224127

Publication date:

31.12.2019.

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