Effect of sulphate concentration and sulphide desorption on the combined removal of organic matter and sulphate from wastewaters using expanded granular sludge bed (EGSB) reactors

During the application of anaerobic processes to high sulphate concentration wastewaters, operational problems are expected due to the occurrence of sulphate reduction. Sulphide production reduces effluent quality and may produce inhibition. The application of Expanded Granular Sludge Bed (EGSB) reactors for the combined removal of organic matter and sulphate was studied at different COD/sulphate and 3 values of pH. During the EGSB reactor operation, most of the sulphide remains in the liquid phase reducing effluent quality. The inclusion of a desorption column in the recirculation of the EGSB reactor promotes mass transfer to the gas phase, reducing the sulphide concentration in the liquid phase, significantly decreasing the chemical oxygen demand of the effluent.