ANAEROBIC TREATMENT OF INDUSTRIAL WASTEWATERS.

Abstract

Biological treatment of industrial wastewaters is now generally carried out in an aerobic reactor, one that converts organic matter to water and carbon dioxide in the presence of air. Anaerobic treatment, in contrast, converts wastes to methane and carbon dioxide in the absence of air. Its key advantages are low energy consumption, and production of a useful fuel gas-methane - rather than a large volume of useless sludge. This paper discusses these aspects of the treatment of effluents in chemical plants - (1) mechanism of biodegradation; (2) process options; and (3) types of wastes each approach is suited for.