Evaluation of the effects of a polyurethane carrier on the degradation of chlorinated anilines by Pseudomonas acidovorans CA50

A previously described model system for the treatment of harzardous chloroaniline-containing waste waters using immobilized bacterial cells in a bioreactor was enhanced in its degradation efficiency. This was achieved by the substitution of the calcium alginate beads by an inert polyurethane (PU)-carrier. The supply of chloroaniline-polluted waste waters with the PU-carrier (1.25% w/v) resulted in a distinct decrease of the pollutant concentrations in the solution due to the effects of adsorption. Nevertheless, the initially bound amounts of the chloroanilines, were also degraded, which was proved by the chloride balance. In comparative batch-degradation experiments with the Pseudomonas acidovorans strain CA50 with and without the addition of the PU-carrier (1.25% v/w), respectively, the advantages of the PU-supplied treatment system were demonstrated; among others a marked shortening of the degradation periods was achieved. The advantage of the PU-carrier was also shown by using a bubble reactor. In this connection, it is particularly worth mentioning, that high degradation rates can be achieved for a long time even for strongly persistent pollutants. (orig.)