Biodegradability of the organics

Hernaez MJ, B Eloriano, JJ Rfos, E Santero (2002) Identification of a hydratase and a class II aldolase involved in biodegradation of the organic solvent tetralin. Appl Environ Microbiol 68 4841-4846. 

Wastewater characteristics play an important role in the nature of the sewer processes and to what extent they proceed. A number of parameters like temperature and pH and quality characteristics in terms of the biodegradability of the organic matter and the amount of active biomass available are crucial for the outcome of the transformations. 

The (aerobic) biodegradability of the organic matter in wastewater affects the anaerobic formation rate of Ss. The results shown in Figure 7.14 correspond to the findings that a soluble COD value, CODs, below 50 gCOD m-3 has no real potential for sulfide formation (cf. Section 6.2.4), as this value typically corresponds to non- and slowly biodegradable, soluble organic matter. 

Biodegradability of the organic constituents, which determines the rate, degree of degradation, rate of degradation, and reaction products (sometimes called daughter products). 

The biodegradability of the organics is important in that it determines if activated carbon is required for removal of refractory organics. Also, materials could be present that would reduce the activity of the biological floe. 

De Kreuk, J.F., Hanstveit, A O. (1981) Determination of the biodegradability of the organic fraction of chemical wastes. Chemosphere 10, 561-575. 

Thus, a combined approach for Lewisite destruction was proposed, which includes 1) water hydrolysis of Lewisite to 1 2) electrochemical degradation of 1 to low-molecular organic acids 3) separation of arsenic salts by EC and 4) biodegradation of the organic products of electrolysis. 

---