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Effects of a heavy metal (zinc) on organic adsorption capacity and organic removal in activated sludge

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Abstract

Effects of a common heavy metal (zinc) on activated sludge were studied with a sequencing batch reactor (SBR). Organic removal in activated sludge was postulated to proceed by a rapid adsorption of organics on the sludge, followed by a slower metabolic assimilation mechanism. Metal-laden waste water at a subtoxic level affected the SBR performance to different extents depending on the hydraulic retention time (HRT). Heavy metal acted as a strong competitor for active sites on the sludge, hampering organic adsorption, and affected the COD reduction efficiency under a short HRT.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Civil and Structural Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Hong Kong

    Hong Chua

  2. Environmental Protection Bureau of Jiangsu Province, Nanjing, China

    F. L. Hua

Authors
  1. Hong Chua
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  2. F. L. Hua
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Chua, H., Hua, F.L. Effects of a heavy metal (zinc) on organic adsorption capacity and organic removal in activated sludge. Appl Biochem Biotechnol 57, 845–849 (1996). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02941764

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02941764

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