Physical and Chemical Characteristics of Microorganisms Developed an a Modified Anaerobic Inclining-Baffled Reactor Treating Recycled Paper Mill Effluent

Abstract

The development of granular sludge is the key factor for successful operation of the modified anaerobic inclining-baffled (MAI-B) reactors. This study deals with the changes in physical and chemical characteristics of microorganisms developed in a MAI-B reactor while treating recycled paper mill effluent (RPME). In this study, a bench scale MAI-B reactor was used and operated at 37 °C for a period of 60 days. From characterization studies, it was found that the size of granular developed in MAI-B reactor was higher than 0.33 mm. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) show some of bacteria have irregular cocci, long and short rod and spherical shape. The present of calcium, magnesium, iron and zinc have played a crucial role in the formation of the aggregates of sludge as shown in the results of inductive coupled plasma mass spectrometer (ICP-MS) analysis. While for elements analysis by electron disperse X -ray (EDAX), the major elements found are carbon, nitrogen, oxygen, aluminium and silicon. In addition, X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis was successfully used to identify the component phases of the samples inside MAI-B reactor treating RPME wastewater, respectively. Consequently, the results of this study establish a better understanding of the physical and chemical characteristics of granulated microorganism sludge developed in a MAI-B reactor during the RPME wastewater treatment.