DATA-BASE ANALYSIS FOR TREATMENT OF INDUSTRIAL WASTEWATERS BY BIOTECHNOLOGY AND INCINERATION

A computer model, which combines a data base and a software application package, was developed to help decision makers choose between biological treatment and incineration for handling high strength wastewaters. Results of the analysis predict the fate of individual compounds and the economic feasibility for treatment by combined biodegradation/adsorption as compared to incineration. The data base used for analysis contains details on the biodegradability, biological inhibitory levels, and adsorption coefficients. Results will help the user decide the feasibility of biological treatment systems such as the widely used activated sludge/powdered activated carbon system or expanded-bed granular activated carbon reactors. A wide variety of industrial wastewaters were analyzed and the model predicted general trends for biological treatment. Results were generally in agreement with reported results