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Importance of enzymatic processes for the removal of organic trace pollutants from wastewater
Prof. Dr. Dr. Fischer Klaus, University of Trier, Germany
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Importance of enzymatic processes for the removal of organic
trace pollutants from wastewater
In many cases biodegradation by activated sludge microorganisms is the most effective process to remove organic trace pollutants from wastewater in treatment plants. Since conventional treatment plants are not designed for the elimination of micropollutants their removal is a “side effect” of the biodegradation of the bulk of the organic wastewater load. Metabolic and cometabolic substance transformations are based on the activity of enzymes mainly. Thus it is assumed (and proven in some cases) that various enzymes are responsible for the biodegradation of micropollutants also.
The lecture will introduce into the fundamentals of the enzymatic processes underlying the removal of the bulk of the organic wastewater load by microorganisms. Selecting various groups of trace pollutants, the current state of knowledge regarding the involvement of enzymes in their elimination will be summarized. Finally the lecture will provide insight in ongoing research projects and discuss practical implications of their results.