Anaerobic degradation of palm oil mill effluent (POME) at 60 days of hydraulic retention time (HRT) in an anaerobic bench scale reactor (ABSR)

Abstract

Anaerobic pond system is particularly effective in treating high strength wastewater containing biodegradable solids as they achieve the dual purpose of particulate settlement and organic removal. The POME mainly contains of high content of degradable organic matter was treated using laboratory anaerobic bench scale reactor (ABSR) based on anaerobic stabilization pond process. The anaerobic degradation of ABSR for the treatment of POME was conducted by a continuous flow experiment using feed flow-rates of 0.63 liters of raw POME per day, which correspond to 60 days of hydraulic retention time (HRT).The Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) removal efficiency was accomplished at 85.41% respectively. Besides, the biomass concentration of ABSR was regained at 18150 mg/1, Moreover, The total alkalinity and the ratio fraction between VFA and total alkalinity were at 18450 mg CaCOs/l and 0.10, respectively.