The report gives results of a series of anaerobic microbial acclimation and treatment performance tests with synthetic phenolic substrates. The research is a feasibility level assessment of substituting anaerobic biodegradation of phenolics for solvent extraction. The tests showed the feasibility of biodegrading phenol and p-cresol to methane under thermophilic anaerobic conditions. The experimental data indicate that anaerobic biodegradation of phenolics under thermophilic conditions involves a dual system of bioaccumulation and biodegradation. Phenolics and unknown metabolites were accumulated in the anaerobic flocs of sludge, and these compounds were apparently slowly degraded over time. Despite periodic upsets, treatment improved as the phenolic loadings were incrementally increased during the experiments.
Caption title. "Oct. 1985." "EPA/600/7-85/050." Microfiche.