Anaerobic Treatment of Industrial Wastewater by UASB Reactor Integrated with Chemical Oxidation Processes; an Overview

In order to upgrade the quality of anaerobically treated effluent to a level recommended for irrigation, integration of a UASB reactor with UV and AOPs (advanced oxidation processes) (Ozone, H2O2/UV, Fenton, and photo-Fenton) could be a better option for almost complete colour, COD removal, and disinfection of pathogens. High efficiency of the UASB can be maintained by proper process conditions, including temperature, sludge age, pH, hydraulic retention time, and gas-liquid-solid separator (GLSS) design. A fraction of the COD and colour is usually non-biodegradable and renders difficulty for anaerobic digestion. AOPs degrade the organic molecules and converting completely the organic compounds to non-toxic components such as CO2 and/or water. As far as disinfection is concerned, advanced oxidation processes are proved to be extremely effective in killing pathogens (total coliform, fecal coliform, fecal streptococci, salmonella, and E. coli) due to their strong oxidative characters. Although AOPs effectively accomplish pathogen elimination, re-growth of pathogenic microorganisms can take place in the treated effluent. Re-growth potential of pathogens provides helpful information about the quality of the treated water, which is very important in all possible reuse options. The combined application of AOPs with anaerobic treatment minimizes the chances of regrowth due to irreparable damage to nucleic acid. This review paper focuses primarily on the process conditions and treatment efficiency for UASB treatment systems, and to evaluate the advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) as an option for post treatment.