Patent ID: 7422687
Filing Date: 2008-09-09
Classification: C02F

Abstract:
1. A biotechnological process for the treatment of hydroxide sludge containing As resulting from potable water production processes which use FeCl 3 as a coagulant, through the action of sulfate reducing bacteria, wherein said process comprises: a. preparing a sulfate reducing microorganism (SRB) culture for the process, said culture coming from the same sludge to be treated; b. combining in an anaerobic bioreactor and for an approximate period of 5 days, the sludge to be treated, the inoculum obtained in (a) and nutrients such as ethanol, sulfate and yeast, at a controlled temperature and with enough mixing to allow sludge homogenization in a way that no untreated zones remain; c. decanting the treated sludge, for a period of approximately 3 days, recovering the clarified liquid and subjecting the sediment to a dewatering process through filtration or centrifugation; d. filtrating the solid residue coming from the decanter; and e. characterizing the final residue.