Biodegradation kinetics of methyl iso-butyl ketone by acclimated mixed culture

Abstract

Methyl iso-butyl ketone (MIBK) is a widely used volatile organic compound (VOC) which is highly toxic in nature and has significant adverse effects on human beings. The present study deals with the removal of MIBK using biodegradation by an acclimated mixed culture developed from activated sludge. The biodegradation of MIBK is studied for an initial MIBK concentration ranging from 200–700 mg l−1 in a batch mode of operation. The maximum specific growth rate achieved is 0.128 h−1 at 600 mg l−1of initial MIBK concentration. The kinetic parameters are estimated using five growth kinetic models for biodegradation of organic compounds available in the literature. The experimental data found to fit well with the Luong model (R 2 = 0.904) as compared to Haldane model (R 2 = 0.702) and Edward model (R 2 = 0.786). The coefficient of determination (R 2) obtained for the other two models, Monod and Powell models are 0.497 and 0.533, respectively. The biodegradation rate found to follow the three-half-order kinetics and the resulting kinetic parameters are reported.