Anaerobic fixed-film reactors treating carbohydrate wastewater

Anaerobic downflow stationary fixed-film reactors operated at 35°C, successfully treated synthetic (sucrose-based) wastewater of different concentrations at high organic loading rates and short hydraulic residence times. Waste stabilization was due to the high concentration of active biomass retained in the biofilm. Biofilm biomass concentration increased with organic loading rate reaching a maximum of 8.7 kg VFS m⁻³ of reactor volume (0.112 kg VFS m⁻² support surface). The biofilm was found to be completely active and unaffected by diffusional limitations up to an average thickness of 2.6 mm.