Abstract
AbstractIn this study, mixed wastes composed of high levels of phenol, formalin, and ethanol emanating from biotechnology and health science laboratories on the Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU) campus were degraded under anaerobic conditions in a hybrid suspended-attached growth system. Batch experiments were conducted using 80% removal of initial phenol concentrations as an end point. Formalin concentration was used to set the initial feeding constraints. After a stable, low level of phenol and chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal were established, three experimental periods demonstrated the simultaneous removal of 80% of influent COD, 97% removal of formalin, and at least 85% removal of phenol (concentrations of 1,000, 110, and 170 mg·L−1, respectively). A biogas was produced continuously, but was not quantified nor identified because of constraints. Further research is needed to determine mineralization and possible intermediate formation and to prove such a system is a viable option for the on-site treatment of university or small-scale research-generated hazardous mixed wastes.
