Evaluating the performance of Anaerobic Migrating Blanket Reactor (AMBR) in biodegradation of perchloroethylene (PCE)

PCE is a chlorinated aliphatic hydrocarbon which has been widely used in some industries. The aim of this study was to determine the PCE biodegradation potential in anaerobic migrating blanket reactor (AMBR). In this study the concentration of PCE was more than that of other studies. So far AMBR has not been used for bioremediation of this compound. This study was an Experimental - laboratory study. A laboratory scale anaerobic migrating blanket reactor (AMBR) with a capacity of 10 L and with four compartments was used for biological degradation of PCE in synthetic substrate. Performance of the reactor was evaluated during 4 stages with PCE loading rate of 3. 75 to 75 mgPCE/L. d. Excel software was used for data analysis. Optimum COD removal with 98% efficiency was obtained with COD loading of 3. 1gCOD/L. d. For PCE removal، the optimum efficiency rate was 99. 8% which was achieved with PCE loading rate of 37. 5 mgPCE/L. d. The mean values for COD and PCE removal during the whole activity period of reactor were 91. 4 and 99. 5%، respectively. The results indicated that use of AMBR in full-scale studies using real industrial wastewater contaminated with PCE is a simple، efficient and reliable method for removal of PCE from industrial waste water.