Biodegradation of high 4-chlorophenol concentrations in a discontinuous reactor fed with an optimally controlled influent flow rate

This work presents the results of the application of an optimally controlled influent flow rate strategy to biodegrade, in a discontinuous reactor, high concentrations of 4-chlorophenol used as toxic compound model. The influent is fed into the reactor in such a way as to obtain the maximal degradation rate, thus avoiding the inhibition of the microorganisms. The optimal strategy was able to manage increments of toxic concentrations in the influent up to 7,000 mg 4CP/L without any problem. It was shown not only that higher concentrations of toxic could be treated, but also that a reduction in degradation time (around 52%) and in the supplied air volume was obtained.