Aerobic biodegradation and inhibition kinetics of poly-aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in a petrochemical industry wastewater in the presence of biosurfactants

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SPONZA D. T., Gok O.

JOURNAL OF CHEMICAL TECHNOLOGY AND BIOTECHNOLOGY, vol.87, no.5, pp.658-672, 2012 (SCI-Expanded)

• Publication Type: Article / Article
• Volume: 87 Issue: 5
• Publication Date: 2012
• Doi Number: 10.1002/jctb.2762
• Journal Name: JOURNAL OF CHEMICAL TECHNOLOGY AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
• Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus
• Page Numbers: pp.658-672
• Keywords: biodegradation kinetic, biosurfactant, competitive inhibition, Monod, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs)
• Dokuz Eylül University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

BACKROUND: In Izmir, Turkey, wastewaters from the petrochemical industry are treated using conventional activated sludge systems. A significant proportion of poly-aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) with high-molecular weights remains in this treatment system and inhibits the biological activity. Biosurfactants increase PAHs degradation by enhancing the solubility of the petroleum components. The aerobic inhibition kinetics of PAHs has not previously been investigated in the presence of biosurfactants for a real petrochemical industry wastewater.