Membrane Bioreactor for Cometabolism of Trichloroethene Air Emissions

Abstract

Biofilters have been of limited use for cometabolism of chlorinated organic compounds, such as trichloroethene (TCE), due to enzyme inhibition or toxicity effects. A hollow fiber membrane bioreactor was investigated that involves a bundle of polypropylene fibers through which volatile organic compound contaminated air passes. The fibers are immersed in a recirculating nutrient/cosubstrate solution. Batch culture experiments were performed with a mixed culture that could cometabolize TCE with toluene as a primary substrate. No inhibition or inquiry to the toluene degrading ability was observed at up to 15 mg L