Anaerobic biodegradation of methyl-group organics on industrial wastewater treatment

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Two kinds of anaerobic microorganisms decomposing Tetra-methyl-ammonium hydroxid (TMAH) and isopropyl alcohol (IPA) to methane were enriched from the digestate of activated sludge at a municipal wastewater treatment plant. According to the chemical analysis of the biodegradation pathway for TMAH, one unit of methyl-group was sequentially uncoupled from TMAH and ammonium was eventually formed whilst producing methane gas from the methyl-group (methanol). For the degradation of IPA, intermediates of acetone, acetate and hydrogen were detected. The production of methane was thought to be attributed to the acetoclastic methanogens and hydrogenotrophic methanogens. Based on the kinetics obtained from the experiment, process maps were build and mathematical models were elaborated applying a concept of Activated Sludge Models developed by the task groups of International Water Association. The model structure was expected to use for a platform to design the wastewater treatment processes.