Contrasting roles of phenol and pyrocatechol on the degradation of 4-chlorophenol in a photocatalytic-biological reactor.

Intimate coupling of photocatalysis and biodegradation (ICPB) provides superior treatment for the degradation of bio-recalcitrant compounds, such as chlorophenol. Photocatalytically generated intermediates can be promptly used by the enclosed biofilms. Chlorophenol degradation can theoretically be accelerated by a co-substrate or be compromised by the competition for photocatalytic reactive oxygen species (ROS); however, studies to examine the comparison are limited in number.

Role of self-assembly coated Er(3+): YAlO3/TiO2 in intimate coupling of visible-light-responsive photocatalysis and biodegradation reactions.

Conventionally used ultraviolet light can result in dissolved organic carbon (DOC) increasing and biofilm damage in intimate coupling of photocatalysis and biodegradation (ICPB). Visible-light-responsive photocatalysis offers an alternative for achieving ICPB. In this study, composite-cubes were developed using self-assembly to coat a thin and even layer of visible-light-responsive photocatalyst (Er(3+): YAlO3/TiO2) on sponge-type carriers, followed by biofilm cultivation.

Intimate Coupling of Photocatalysis and Biodegradation for Degrading Phenol Using Different Light Types: Visible Light vs UV Light.

Intimate coupling of photocatalysis and biodegradation (ICPB) technology is attractive for phenolic wastewater treatment, but has only been investigated using UV light (called UPCB). We examined the intimate coupling of visible-light-induced photocatalysis and biodegradation (VPCB) for the first time. Our catalyst was prepared doping both of Er(3+) and YAlO3 into TiO2 which were supported on macroporous carriers.

Nickel biosorption by discharged biomass from wastewater treatment bioreactor: size plays a key role.

Biomass size significantly affects the characteristics of the extracellular polymeric substances, which in turn influences the biosorption mechanisms. In this work, nickel biosorption mechanisms and the capacity of excess aerobic granules (AGs) of >850 μm, 500-850 μm, 212-500 μm, and bioflocs <212 μm, discharged during wastewater treatment operation, were investigated by elemental composition and spectroscopic analysis. Ni(2+) biosorption capacity decreased apparently from 1.

Simultaneous removal of multi-pollutants in an intimate integrated flocculation-adsorption fluidized bed.

A novel intimate integrated flocculation-adsorption fluidized bed (IFAFB) was designed based on the hydraulic classification theory, and the operation, performance, characterization, and mechanisms of the novel process were developed. In this system, 150 mg · L(-1) kaolin clay and 100 mg · L(-1) phenol were used to simulate multi-pollutants in synthetic influent; resin beads and silica beads were the solid phases for the fluidized flocculator, and polymer aluminum chloride (PAC) and granular activated carbon were the flocculant and the adsorbent, respectively. The results showed that the Euler numeral was the most suitable dynamic parameter for flocculation in the fluidized bed when compared with the velocity gradient (G), Reynolds number (Re), and GRe (-1/2) .

Enhanced aerobic granulation, stabilization, and nitrification in a continuous-flow bioreactor by inoculating biofilms.

In this study, the possibility of using backwashed biofilm as seed in an aerobic granular sludge continuous-flow airlift fluidized bed (CAFB) reactor was investigated. After the addition of the inoculated backwashed biofilm, the start-up period of this reactor fed with municipal wastewater was reduced to 25 days, and aerobic granulation and stabilization were enhanced. At steady state, the chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal efficiency and nitrification efficiency were as high as 80-90 and 60 %, respectively.

[Morphologic changes in the life cycle of Cytophaga hutchinsonii].

Objective: To study the morphological changes of Cytophaga hutchinsonii cell during its life circle.

Methods: Cytophaga hutchinsonii cell was observed under light microscope, fluorescence microscope and scanning electron microscope. The nucleoids in the cell were stained with fluorescent dye Hoechst33342 and examined by fluorescence microscopy.