Abstract: An improved powdered adsorbent enhanced sludge process for the treatment of wastewater is disclosed that allows for in situ recovery of unregenerated powdered adsorbent. In situ recovery is performed by contacting a mixture of activated sludge and spent powdered adsorbent at disassociation conditions whereby cell lysis occurs. The cell lysis allows for physical separation of the spent powdered adsorbent from the activated sludge, thus allowing for recycle of adsorbent without the need for a regeneration process.

Abstract: A method and system for reducing the sulfur concentration of wastewater which is to be disposed of through anaerobic treatment. Wastewater high in sulfur content is fed to a reactor having a pH level less than 6, such that the sulfate and/or sulfite compounds in the wastewater are converted by sulfate reducing bacteria into sulfide gas, thereafter exhausting the sulfide gas from the reactor. It is preferred that two anaerobic reactors be connected in series, such that the first reactor contains sulfate reduce bacteria and/or acid-forming bacteria, and the second reactor contains methane-forming bacteria and/or acid-forming bacteria.