Abstract
The biological removal of organic matter from a cosmetic wastewater by sequencing batch reactors has been optimized by
analyzing the influence of the hydraulic retention time as well as the inclusion of anoxic and/or aerobic stages in the process
sequence. Hydraulic retention time of 5 d led to the highest total organic carbon and chemical oxygen demand removal regardless
the sequence used. Although a completely aerobic sequence can be used for cosmetic wastewaters treatment, the alternation of
anoxic and aerobic stages significantly improved the organic matter and nutrients removal. Total organic carbon and chemical
oxygen demand removal efficiencies around 67 and 74 %, respectively, were achieved with a sequence which includes two
anoxic stages of one hour at the beginning and the end of the cycle. Additionally, nutrients were satisfactorily removed when
anoxic stages were included along the cycle, reaching nitrogen and phosphorous removals higher than 97 and 70 %, respectively.
Under these conditions the flocs showed a moderate density, good mechanical stability and settleability.