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Membrane‐attached biofilms for VOC wastewater treatment. II: Effect of biofilm thickness on performance
Author(s) -
dos Santos L. M. Freitas,
Livingston A. G.
Publication year - 1995
Publication title -
biotechnology and bioengineering
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.136
H-Index - 189
eISSN - 1097-0290
pISSN - 0006-3592
DOI - 10.1002/bit.260470111
Subject(s) - biofilm , membrane , wastewater , membrane bioreactor , stripping (fiber) , biofouling , chemistry , bioreactor , mineralization (soil science) , air stripping , chemical engineering , flux (metallurgy) , mass transfer , chromatography , materials science , environmental engineering , environmental science , bacteria , composite material , biology , organic chemistry , biochemistry , nitrogen , genetics , engineering
This article reports a study of the performance of membrane‐attached biofilms grown in a single tube extractive membrane bioreactor (STEMS) used for the treatment of a synthetic wastewater containing a toxic VOC (1,2‐dichloroethane [DCE]). Mass balances show that complete mineralization of DCE was achieved, and that the biofilms were effective in reducing air stripping to negligible levels. Experimental results are presented showing the evolution over time of biofilm thickness and its influence on the flux of DCE across the membrane. It has been found that a trade‐off exists between the positive influence of biofilms in reducing air‐stripping of DCE, and the negative influence of biofilms in reducing DCE flux across the membrane. These considerations lead to an optimal biofilm thickness in the region of 200 to 400 μm being recommended for this system. © 1995 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.