Environmental Biotechnology

By the parallel operation of a submersed and a fixed bed plant according to the alternating denitrification procedure the transferability of this N-elimination procedure to the fixed bed technology was examined. Also, the suspensa elimination performance as well as the observance of effluent values for filterable materials were compared in both procedures. The procedure of the alternating denitrification could be installed with satisfying results on the fixed bed plant. The ammonium degradation was heavily affected by the suitable procedure, in particular the correct combination of inlet quantities and duration of phase times (detailed information in German).

In the course of the extension of the waste water treatment plant of Cloppenburg/Germany to 190,000 PE a 2-stage biofiltraton plant was integrated in the treatment process. By the analytical program carried out in the course of the demonstration Project on biofiltration sponsored by the German Umweltbundesamt, it could be proved that the 2-stage biofiltration plant effects additional COD-removal of about 60% (effluent concentration 35 mg/l) and an average final total phosphorus concentration of about 0.5 mg/l. With respect to nitrification, biofiltration proved to be a powerful process. Effluent concentrations of ammonia below 1.0 mg/l could be achieved but were not stable. Expand…

The project of the “ASKI” aims at installing a cogeneration plant, fueled with sewage digester gas originating from the central sewage plant at Ankara (Turkey). The project is unique in its kind and size within Turkey and demonstrates a reference object referring to economical and ecological optimised electricity supply. The project receives funding from the KfW.

Using the two-stage decontamination process developed, it is possible to achieve the material recycling of scrap sleepers, which are to be disposed of in large quantities. The resulting materials are suitable for load-bearing and insulating purposes in exterior applications. Processing costs are consistent with those associated with natural source materials. Expand…

A three-stage process for PAH degradation in railway sleepers has been proposed on the basis of fungal screening, physical, biochemical and chemical investigations. By this method, mechanical-hydrothermal pulping is to be followed by chemical treatment, before the white rot fungus “trametes versicolor” is applied for the purposes of biological degradation. Expand…

Using modified gas chromatography, the limit of detection for phosphane has been substantially reduced. This development has allowed the clear identification of phosphane in biogases from manure and in the air of animal stalls. A striking feature is the fact that biogas technologies generate substantially lower phosphane emissions than simple manure handling technologies. Expand…

The gas chromatographic analysis technique developed has confirmed the ubiquitous presence of phosphane in manure processing facilities. Phosphane complexes have also been detected in various liquid and solid matrices which are to be classified as potential emission sources, namely, manure, corroded metal and feed. Emission reductions can be primarily achieved through the selection of steel used and the manure processing method applied. Expand…

Principles for bacterial cyanide degradation and the use of fungi for the sorption of heavy metals have been established on a laboratory scale. On the basis of results obtained, the operation of a biotechnical plant would appear to be a cost-effective option. Potential applications include gold extraction plants, electroplating works and general industrial operations involving cyanide-bearing waste waters. Expand…

The project included constructing and operating two technical test plants of the trickle flow reactor. Two different application models were used to show the stable and successful operation of the plants. The high output to low cost ratio as well as the option of customizing the method to fit different industrial waste water situations could convince additional producing companies of the advantages of the trickle flow reactor (detail information in German).