Performance assessment of model extractive type membrane bioreactor embr for treatment of chlorpyrifos residues in aqueous phase

Abstract

A novel attempt has been made in this investigation to thoroughly assess the intrinsic and overall performance(s) of the model EMBR utilizing a highquality SRMT (HGM) of internal diameter of 1.5 mm with a wall thickness of 0.85 mm; and the A-Mh for the effective removal of CPF residues in the aqueous phase. The entire investigation was appropriately phased-out under different stages, such as trans diffusivity studies, biodegradation studies, and performance studies of EMBR; between September, 2010 and April, 2013. Apart from these, few essential preliminary studies were also undertaken in view of arriving at the appropriate selection of MT for the design of model EMBR. Several trans diffusivity studies were undertaken in laboratory, to assess the diffusion pattern, behaviour, mass-transfer, permeability, diffusivity, and others, under concocted aqueous phase containing CPF. Apart from selection of appropriate MT; separate trans diffusivity experiments were undertaken to understand the effects of length of the MT, flow rate, influent concentration of CPF, solution pH, presence of major anions, and presence of other commonly persisting pesticides on CPF diffusivity. The mathematical analysis (including dimensional analysis) was formulated to evaluate the various key parameters. Also, appropriate statistical correlation models were derived and further validated for their usefulness in the design and operation of full-scale EMBR. Prior to biodegradation studies, the A-Mh sp. was extracted, isolated, and identified through appropriate Gram staining and biochemical tests (including selective media for growth of A-Mh sp.). Also, other essential tests, such as BLAST analysis, RDB taxanomy analysis, and phylogency tree were performed to confirm the genera and species of the organism. Several biodegradation studies were undertaken in biotechnological laboratory to assess the biodegradation potential of A-Mh by appropriate selection of system parameters like inoculum density, pH of medium and initial concentration of CPF. H