Di-n-butyl phthalate removal using mixed cultures in batch reactors

Di-n-butyl phthalate (DBP), belonging to the family of phthalic acid esters, is usually used as plasticizer. Application of extensive plastic commodities has made DBP the most frequently identified chemical found in the environment. A recent research concern has been raised that DBP may be a mutagen and carcinogen, and also an endocrine-disrupting chemical. Thus, environmentally friendly deposal and treatment of DBP are critically important. In this research, an acclimatized mixed culture was used to explore the treatments of different DBP concentrations in synthetic and actual wastewaters by batch strategy. The mixed culture could utilize DBP for growth when the initial DBP concentration was lower than 1000 mg l−1 in both wastewaters. Initial DBP concentrations between 200 and 1000 mg l−1 in the synthetic wastewater could be neutralized at 91–99% removal efficiency. The same concentrations in actual wastewaters contained removal efficiencies between 92 and 100%.