Mechanisms Prevalent during Bioremediation of Wastewaters from the Pulp and Paper Industry

Abstract

Bioremediation of wastewaters represents an important treatment methodology, especially when examined against the backdrop of ever-stricter legislation that is evolving in order to regulate effluent release into the environment. It has been reported that bioremediation specifically holds promise in solving environmental problems. Crucial questions surrounding the treatment of effluents include: efficiency of the process, economic feasibility, legal requirements, and the mechanisms involved in the remediation process. Of all these issues mentioned, the last requires special attention. This paper investigates these matters and focuses on techniques that are currently employed to determine the efficiency of bioremediation and mechanisms involved therein. The physiological significance of biosorption is also examined, as this subject has not been fully addressed in previous publications.

KEY WORDS:

• bioremediation mechanisms
• biodegradation
• bioadsorption
• bleach plant effluents
• white-rot fungi.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

We wish to thank Sappi Management Services (Pty) Ltd, Sappi Saiccor (Pty) Ltd, the Water Research Commission and the National Research Foundation (THRIP programme) for financial support, and Sappi Management Services (Pty) Ltd for giving permission to publish this work.