Industrial effluents can often be loaded with special and complex compounds. Some of these compounds are difficult to remove and can also be harmful to the environment and living organisms if left untreated.
AnoxKaldnes Tracer™ technology successfully removes compounds like glycols, cyanides, and selenium in several applications.
Glycols
Glycols are used in applications with a focus on antifreeze and de-icing agents and solvents. They are industrially produced in large amounts worldwide and they tend to reach wastewater treatment plants if captured in sewage or industrial wastewaters.
The biodegradability of these compounds depends on the types, their concentrations and loads, and the adaptability of the microorganisms in the treatment plant.
Industrial applications for Tracer™ Glycols MBBRs:
- Airtransport/airports
- Chemicals
- Oil and Gas
Cyanides
Although naturally present, cyanides can be toxic and affect all living organisms, including microorganisms in biological treatment processes. Cyanides play a key role in different industrial processes and products. Cyanide-containing wastes are typically generated from industries that manufacture paints, polymers, organic compounds, pharmaceuticals, or steel and coal production.
Industrial applications for Tracer™ Cyanides MBBRs:
Selenium
Selenium is an essential nutrient for all living organisms; humans need approximately 10-50 ppb (µg/L) daily. Nevertheless, selenium compounds bioaccumulate in aquatic environments, and even at low concentrations can compromise the health of living organisms. Discharge into the environment is becoming an increasing concern.
Selenium-contaminated wastewaters are generated by industries in coal and mineral mining, coal-based power generation, oil extraction, petrochemical refining, metallurgy, and agricultural irrigation. Effluents from the production of solar panels and lithium batteries also tend to be contaminated with selenium.
Industrial applications for Tracer™ Selenium MBBRs:
EDTA
EDTA is a strong chelating agent commonly used in industrial applications due to the strong complexes it forms with many metal ions. One major application of EDTA is within the pulp and paper industry when pulp bleaching is performed with hydrogen peroxide. EDTA is used in the bleaching process as a chelating agent to bind metal ions, such as ferric or manganese ions, in order to protect the hydrogen peroxide and avoid its decomposition into oxygen and water, which is catalyzed by metal ions. However, as a result of this process, EDTA and its metal complexes end up in the wastewater.
Industrial applications for Tracer™ EDTA MBBRs:
- Pulp & paper
- Textile
- Food & beverage
- Pharmaceuticals
- Cosmetics
Phenol
Phenol is toxic to organisms living in the water and is accumulated in nature. It is mutagenic and can cause genetic defects. In addition, phenol is also toxic to humans, through ingestion, inhalation, and skin contact.
Phenol is a compound that can be produced naturally through degradation of organic material. Phenol can also be used as feedstock to manufacture different compounds or products such as synthetic polymers, pharmaceuticals, chlorophenols, and dyes. It is also a constituent of coal tar creosote and appears in coal-coking, coal gasification, and refinery effluents.
Industrial applications for Tracer™ Phenol MBBRs:
- Chemical
- Oil and gas
- Pharmaceuticals
- Groundwater Remediation
