Study of Biodegradation of Hexamethylenetetramine.
Abstract
In this study, efforts were made to biologically degrade hexamethylenetramine (hexamine). Initially, sewage organisms were grown aerobically in tanks containing 150 parts per million (ppm) hexamine as the only carbon and nitrogen source. Media flow was 1 liter/hour (l/hr). The biological floc appeared active for a time but died out and disappeared within 7 days. Attempt to isolate hexamine degrading organisms from the influent and effluent line failed. Upward flow columns were prepared, filled with fine gravel, and inoculated with various sewage organisms. Hexamine media concentrations (150 to 600 ppm), stop and go flows, various intensities of bubbling and the presence of formaldehyde degrading organisms were tested. Samples were taken from the columns at various times, and pure cultures isolated and culture selection methods applied. At various times during these procedures the hexamine concentration would drop 15 percent to 25 percent below the initial media concentration, but results were not consistent. Although many efforts were made to optimize conditions, only a small degradation of hexamine was obtained. It is concluded that the test organisms may have had incomplete ability to attack the hexamine molecule and only degraded naturally occurring partially-hydrolysed molecules of hexamine. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 01, 1978
- Accession Number
- ADA061610
Entities
People
- A. Paul Adams
- G. Lew Choules