Development of a Sequencing Batch Biofilm Reactor for Treatment of Pesticide Rinsewater

NON-TECHNICAL SUMMARY: Pesticide formulation and agricultural-chemical facilities generate a dilute troublesome pesticide rinsewater that is difficult to dispose of due to its low volume, highly variable flow and the presence of a mixture of pesticides, solvents and emulsifiers. The sequencing batch biofilm reactor (SBBR) is expected to be a low-cost treatment technology for pesticide rinsewater. It is anticipated, based on preliminary results, that treatment of pesticide rinsewater will be completed within 6 hours of hydraulic retention time. In addition, the SBBR is anticipated to operate efficiently under conditions of fluctuating flow rates and pesticide loadings. The SBBR is simple to operate and can be automated to minimize operator's time. The market for the commercial application of such a technology is large as there are many agricultural chemical facilities in the U.S. with rinsewater disposal problems.