In order to reduce the entry of trace elements into the environment, improved and more comprehensive treatment processes – in addition to measures for the avoidance and reduction of the discharge of these elements – are necessary. Activated Coke Fixed-Bed Biology (Ger. »Aktivkoks Festbett-Biologie«, AKFBB) is capable of effectively breaking down micro-pollutants biologically. In comparison to activated charcoal, activated coke has larger micropores, which support the accumulation and immobilization of microorganisms, and thus the formation of a biofilm and the biological breakdown of trace elements.
The company AQUA-bioCarbon GmbH, of Goslar, has installed an AKFBB pilot system in the community water treatment plant in Innerstetal, for the treatment of a part of the discharge current. The goal was to investigate and optimize the breakdown rate of trace elements (pharmaceuticals and industrial chemicals) with the help of a new combination of processes. A UV treatment unit was thus added to the ventilated, backwashable 1 500-Liter capacity activated coke fixed bed.
The results demonstrated that the pharmaceutical substances which were investigated, and their byproducts, can be effectively broken down biologically. The average decomposition of diclofenac in the AKFBB came in, with a retention time of one hour, at 60 %. With higher retention times, improved elimination rates were achieved with all observed substances. The subsequent UV treatment reduced the concentration of pharmaceuticals deposits even further. The discharge can even be used as hygienically faultless process- or bathing water. The Activated Coke Fixed-Bed Biology system has proven itself as an effective and economical process for the reduction of micro-impurities in communal waste water.
Project operation
AQUA-bioCarbon GmbH
Dr. Peter Karl
Landstrasse 88a
38644 Goslar
E-Mail: info@aqua-biocarbon.de
www.aqua-biocarbon.de
Cooperation Partner
IGASresearch, Landstrasse 88a, 38644 Goslar, Deutschland
Institut für Energie- und Umwelttechnik e. V., Bliersheimer Str. 58-60, 47229 Duisburg, Deutschland
28739
