Continuous biodegradation of sulfanilic acid in a multi-stage packed bed reactor

Sulfanilic acid SA is an aromatic amine derived from the azo-bond cleavage of several textile dyes. Recalcitrance and toxicity of this amine is high, and with frequency it could be found as an aquatic contaminant; thus biodegradation process for its removal are justified. Although the SA molecule contains carbon, nitrogen and sulphur, its C:N:S proportion is unbalanced for microbial growth in a biodegradation process; thus nutrient complementation should be necessary for its complete removal. (Author)