Application of Ozonation-Biodegradation Hybrid System for Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons Degradation

Magdalena Olak-Kucharczyk (), Natalia Festinger and Wojciech Smułek
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Magdalena Olak-Kucharczyk: Łukasiewicz Research Network—Lodz Institute of Technology, Maria Skłodowska-Curie 19/27, 90-570 Lodz, Poland
Natalia Festinger: Łukasiewicz Research Network—Lodz Institute of Technology, Maria Skłodowska-Curie 19/27, 90-570 Lodz, Poland
Wojciech Smułek: Institute of Chemical Technology and Engineering, Poznan University of Technology, Berdychowo 4, 60-695 Poznan, Poland

IJERPH, 2023, vol. 20, issue 7, 1-14

Abstract: Creosote, a mixture of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), was and is a wood impregnate of widespread use. Over the years the accumulation of creosote PAHs in soils and freshwaters has increased, causing a threat to ecosystems. The combined ozonation-biodegradation process is proposed to improve the slow and inefficient biodegradation of creosote hydrocarbons. The impact of different ozonation methods on the biodegradation of model wastewater was evaluated. The biodegradation rate, the changes in chemical oxygen demand, and the total organic carbon concentration were measured in order to provide insight into the process. Moreover, the bacteria consortium activity was monitored during the biodegradation step of the process. The collected data confirmed the research hypothesis, which was that the hybrid method can improve biodegradation. The pre-ozonation followed by inoculation with a bacteria consortium resulted in a significant increase in the biodegradation rate. It allows for the shortening of the time required for the consortium to reach maximum degradation effectiveness and cell activity. Hence, the study gives an important and useful perspective for the decontamination of creosote-polluted ecosystems.

Keywords: PAHs biodegradation; creosote hydrocarbons degradation; creosote hydrocarbons model wastewater; ozonation-biodegradation hybrid system; pre-ozonation; microbial activity (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
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