Aerobic Biofiltration Processes—Advances in Wastewater Treatment

Abstract

Wastewater biofiltration is a distinct process as compared to other biological treatments as the microorganisms are fixed to a support and wastewater flows through it to be treated. The biofiltration process technologies can be broadly divided into two categories—self-attached natural systems (conventional) and artificial fixation of microorganisms on polymeric materials (recent research advances). In advanced biofiltration systems, microorganisms are either immobilized on a support or entrapped on membranes or encapsulated and often offer enhanced biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) and suspended solids removal with respect to conventional fixed film technologies. Further, amelioration of BOD, and suspended solids removal of wastewater is achievable due to better understanding and control of the mechanisms and parameters that strengthen the binding of the biofilms to the artificial surfaces. This paper is an effort to explore the advances that have taken place in the field of aerobic biofiltration for wastewater treatment. The advantages and limitations of each fixed film process are discussed pointing out different aspects of the treatment process.