G. SELVAMA AND A. GANESH KUMAR
Abstract
This study demonstrates production of new support matrix for immobilization of microorganisms and efficient treatment of Long Chain Fatty Acids (LCFA) containing wastewater. Microorganisms immobilized in wood chips activated carbon (WCAC) was used as support carriers in the treatment process using packed-bed bioreactors. The effects of bed height on degradation and biogas production were examined using packed beds operated at hydraulic retention times (HRT) of 12 - 36h. The immobilization of the microorganism on the WCAC matrix was confirmed using Fourier transform infra red spectroscopy (FTIR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) studies. The porous nature of WCAC allowed the fine bonding between microorganisms and activated carbon resulting in increased immobilization.