Studies on COD Removal in Up flow Anaerobic Attached Growth Bioreactor Treating Simulated Aquaculture Wastewater

Abstract

In the present study, the suitability of coconut coir libre as a bacterial support medium was compared against a commercially available reticulated plastic support medium (fujino spirals) for nutrient removal. The suitability was studied using anaerobic packed bed columns using Methanol as exogenous carbon source. Simulated aquaculture wastewater was used. The most important evaluator on the extent of denitrification is the consumption of organic carbon measured as Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD). The average removal rates were 74% and 72% for coconut coir and fujino spirals respectively. The performance of the column packed with coconut coir has shown consistent and marginally better removal efficiency than fujino spirals.