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Activated biofilm removal of low concentrations of toluene
Author(s) -
Neufeld Ronald D.,
Niaki Shahzad,
Badali Christopher,
Liu Paul K. T.,
Powers Dennis
Publication year - 1994
Publication title -
water environment research
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.356
H-Index - 73
eISSN - 1554-7531
pISSN - 1061-4303
DOI - 10.2175/wer.66.7.6
Subject(s) - ethylbenzene , biodegradation , biofilm , toluene , benzene , chemistry , xylene , cometabolism , substrate (aquarium) , environmental chemistry , transformation (genetics) , chemical engineering , chromatography , environmental engineering , environmental science , bacteria , organic chemistry , contamination , bioremediation , ecology , biology , biochemistry , gene , engineering , genetics
A two‐step technique is presented for the biodegradation or transformation of low concentrations of benzene, ethylbenzene, toluene, and xylene (BETX) hydrocarbons. Step 1 incorporates the batch growth and attachment of a lush biofilm onto plastic surfaces utilizing a preselected substrate capable of stimulating desired biological activity. Step 2 involves continuous upflow biodegradation of low concentration levels of target organics by the generated biofilm. Step 1‐generated biofilms are predicted to deteriorate during protracted time periods, however, extended experimental runs on the order of four months were conducted with continued bioremovals. Target organic removals during Step 2 operations, quantified by a first‐order removal constant, are shown to be linked to Step 1 operating methodology.