Model-based assessment of chromate reduction and nitrate effect in a methane-based membrane biofilm reactor

• Published in: Water research X Vol. 5; p. 100037
• Main Authors: Wang, Zhen, Chen, Xue-Ming, Ni, Bing-Jie, Tang, You-Neng, Zhao, He-Ping
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Ltd 01.12.2019; Elsevier
• Subjects: Aerobic methane oxidation; Chromate reduction; Membrane biofilm reactor; Model analysis; Nitrate effect; Chromate reduction; Nitrate effect; Membrane biofilm reactor; Aerobic methane oxidation; Model analysis
• ISSN: 2589-9147; 2589-9147
• DOI: 10.1016/j.wroa.2019.100037

Chromate contamination can pose a high risk to both the environment and public health. Previous studies have shown that CH4-based membrane biofilm reactor (MBfR) is a promising method for chromate removal. In this study, we developed a multispecies biofilm model to study chromate reduction and its interaction with nitrate reduction in a CH4-based MBfR. The model-simulated results were consistent with the experimental data reported in the literature. The model showed that the presence of nitrate in the influent promoted the growth of heterotrophs, while suppressing methanotrophs and chromate reducers. Moreover, it indicated that a biofilm thickness of 150 μm and an influent dissolved oxygen concentration of 0.5 mg O2/L could improve the reactor performance by increasing the chromate removal efficiency under the simulated conditions. [Display omitted] •A model describing chromate reduction in a methane-based MBfR was developed.•The model was verified by experimental data under different operational conditions.•Microbial profile is unveiled by model calculation.•The effect of biofilm thickness and DO on chromate removal efficiency was analysis.•Chromate removal is greatly inhibited under high nitrate loading.