Removals of emerging contaminants from municipal waste leachate by Alcaligenes faecalis no.4 and acclimated activated sludge cultures

The removals of emerging contaminants (EC) through adsorption and biodegradation by Alcaligenes faecalis no.4 (A. faecalis no.4) and its combination with heterotrophic microorganisms presented in acclimated activated sludge were evaluated. The studied EC included bisphenols (BPA), di-n-butyl phthalate (DBP), and bis-2-ethyl hexyl phthalate (DEHP). Improved removals of those compounds under the presence of A. faecalis no.4 were observed. Batch experiments carried out in the absence of autotrophic nitrifying activities revealed that heterotrophic nitrification significantly contributed to the compound degradation process. Integration of mixed sludge was found effectively applied to leachate in which A. faecalis no.4 posed a higher growth rate than other acclimated heterotrophic bacteria.