Modelling the Simultaneous Adsorption and Biodegradation of Aromatic Hydrocarbons onto Non-Carbonized Biological Adsorbent in Batch System

Abstract

In this study, a modified two-site sorption kinetic numerical model that differentiates between the adsorption and biodegradation quantities of a non-carbonized biological activated adsorbent (NCBAA) was developed and validated. Also, the effects of initial naphthalene and phenol concentrations on the simultaneous adsorption-biodegradation performances of orange and pineapple peel immobilized Pseudomonas aeruginosa NCIB 950 in naphthalene and phenol removal was respectively evaluated. Adsorption-biodegradation model was developed from the modification of a two-site kinetic numerical model by combining the elements of adsorption and biodegradation models and validation of the model carried out through the application of batch adsorption-biodegradation equilibrium and kinetic experimental data. Results showed that the model predictions of the naphthalene and phenol concentrations are in good agreement with the experimental data. For simultaneous adsorption-biodegradation of naphthalene by orange peel immobilized Pseudomonas aeruginosa, adsorption rate coefficient increased with initial naphthalene concentration and biodegradation rate coefficient decreased with increased initial concentration; and for phenol simultaneous adsorption-biodegradation by pineapple peel immobilized Pseudomonas aeruginosa, adsorption rate coefficient decreased with increased initial phenol concentration and biodegradation rate coefficient increased with increased initial phenol concentration. Thus, the adsorption-biodegradation model is a reasonable tool for simulating the adsorption-biodegradation behaviors of aromatic hydrocarbons in NCBAA.

Keywords: Bacteria; Simultaneous adsorption-biodegradation; Phenol; Naphthalene; Non-carbonized biological activated adsorbent; Numerical model.