| Title |
A Comparative Study on Effect of Molecular Weight in Biodegradation of Glycol Using Immobilized Activated Sludge |
| Abstract |
Aqueous solutions of the Ethylene glycol(EG) and Tetraethylene glycol(TEG) have been biologically treated using a batch recirculation bioreactor with activated sludge immobilized in calcium alginate gel. The effect of molecular weight on biodegradability have been studied. A biodegradation rate was 2.4㎎/(ℓ·hr ·g biobead) on EG and 0.54㎎/(ℓ·hr ·g biobead) on TEG. A comparison of biodegradation rate shows the degree of speed encountered in biodegrading these kinds of organic materials. The results indicates that the organic material with the heavier molecular weight is relatively slower to biodegrade than lighter molecular weight. It also shows that biodegradation rate depends on the number of carbons under the same chemical structure. |