Author(s)

D. Kliaugaitė, I. Valūnas, I. Urniežaitė & V. Račys

Abstract

This article represents the application of the biosorption process to the treatment of wastewater contaminated with light oil products. SC \“Klaipedos nafta”, which works in the field of transshipment of oil and its products in Lithuania, has installed biosorbers for the treatment of ballast and bilge water from the vessels. The biosorption process is sustained by integrated running of the Granulated Activated Carbon (GAC) and the active branches of particular microorganisms. This wastewater treatment method is preeminent for treatment of this kind of wastewater, compared with the treatment efficiency of other methods. Wastewater is pumped into biosorbers after flotation and the remaining concentration of Total Petroleum Hydrocarbons (TPH) varies by about 2 mg/l. At the very beginning of the biosorbers operation wastewater treatment efficiency of 0.45 mg/l was reached. For the biosorption process control the main parameters are being analyzed: TPH, Suspended solids, COD, BOD, Total Nitrogen and Phosphorus, Detergents and Chloride. Interdependence of the values of these parameters and treatment efficiency is being established. The results obtained support the theory of the biosorption process and the process workability for the treatment of wastewater polluted with light oil products. Keywords: biosorption, activated carbon, light oil products, ballast and bilge wastewater treatment, wastewater treatment efficiency. 1 Introduction During oil extraction, transportation and use, natural waters are often polluted with oil hydrocarbons. When these compounds get into the environment, ecosystems are destabilized; part of the flora and fauna is lost. In the human organism, oil hydrocarbons can cause different diseases, including cancer.

Keywords

biosorption, activated carbon, light oil products, ballast and bilge wastewater treatment, wastewater treatment efficiency.