Enhanced Performance of Sulfate Reducing Bacteria (SRB) Granules Process by Using Diatomite as Functional Carrier Material

Removal of heavy metals by sulfate reducing bacteria (SRB) granules in upflow anaerobic sludge blanket (UASB) reactor was investigated. Diatomite was adding to stimulate the formation of SRB sludge granule as a kind of functional carrier material. The diatomite was found to be the good bacteria carrier, due to its high porous structure, which promoted the granulation in the UASB. The results indicated that the Bio-diatomite SRB granule process can be operated at HRT of 15 h, and achieve high removal rates of total Fe, Cu 2+ , Zn 2+ and Cd 2+ . Compared to the Bio-diatomite SRB granule, freely suspended SRB could be washed out of the reactor. The Bio-diatomite SRB granule process can be a technical solution for heavy metal containing wastewater treatment with an efficient reduction of heavy metals.