The inhibitory effects of lindane in batch and upflow anaerobic sludge blanket reactors

In this study, the inhibitory effects of lindane (LIN) on originally unacclimated mixed anaerobic cultures were investigated by anaerobic toxicity assay (ATA) experiments. ATA experiments revealed that 10 mg/l LIN exerted inhibitory effects on anaerobic cultures, which was recoverable. Continuous reactor experiments conducted to determine the inhibitory effects of LIN and the maximum LIN loading rate achievable in two-stage upflow anaerobic sludge blanket (UASB) reactors indicated that anaerobic granular cultures were successfully acclimated to 30 mg/l LIN. The maximum LIN loading rate and minimum hydraulic retention time (HRT) possible for the UASB system were 10 mg/l day and 18 h, respectively, which resulted in the overall chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal efficiency of 89%.