Biodegradation of High Concentration of Phenol in Wastewater Treatment by Biofilm Developed in Sand Soil Media

The aim of this study is to evaluate the biodegradation performance of phenol in a fixed biofilm developed in sand soil media. The parameters which had been studied and may influence the biodegradation were: a) the grain size of sand, b) the rate of flow, and c) the initial phenol loading. Laboratory scale of two columns with inner diameter of 5 cm was used. The first column was packed with fine sand (0.8 mm) while the second column was packed with coarse sand (2.50 mm). Synthetic waste enriched with nuitrent was fed and recirculated to the top of columns. Phenol was introduced to the top of the sand layer. Daily samples were taken and analysed for: phenol, COD, pH, and suspended solids. The results indicated that grain size has no effect on phenol removal. The low rate of flow resulted better performance while the high loading of phenol slowed down the microbial activity.