Effects of immobilized cells on the biodegradation of chlorinated phenols

Effects of immobilized cells on the biodegradation of phenol and chlorinated phenols were studied with a series of batch reactors. Na-alginate was used as the cell carrier. A mixture of identified microorganisms was used as the cell source for immobilized- and suspended-cell study. Immobilized cells could biodegrade phenol within 5 days, even when its initial concentration reached 500 mg-C/L. Immobilized cells also could more effectively biodegrade 2-chlorophenol and 2,4-dichlorophenol in comparison with suspended cells. The utilization of immobilized cells enhanced the removal of chlorinated phenols and decreased the lag phase of biodegradation.