Abstract

This study assesses the feasibility of using the filamentous fungus Fusarium solani for the removal of colour, chemical oxygen demand (COD) and total phenols from a pulp mill industry effluent, inoculated in a rotating biological contactor (RBC). The study was done in a RBC of total volume 7.2 L, operated with 40% of useful volume at 37(+/- 2)degrees C, inflow 3.5 L d(-1), hydraulic residence time (HRT) 20 h and rotation speed 2 rpm. A Haldane model was used to determine the kinetic parameters of F. solani with a model effluent. The results show maximum elimination capacities and removal efficiencies for COD and phenols of 2921 mg m(-2) d(-1) (84%) and 72 mg m(-2) d(-1) (83%), respectively. Colour removal efficiencies of 60% (equivalent to 32 colour units, CU) were also obtained. The kinetic results show COD inhibition at concentrations above 110 mg L-1.