Biodegradation of Toluene using Biofilms in a Bubble Column Bioreactor

Abstract

Biodegradation of toluene in liquid effluent stream was carried out using biofilms of Pseudomonas putida formed on celite particles in the bubble column bioreactor. Silicon rubber tubing was installed at the bottom of the bioreactor and liquid toluene was circulated within the tubing. Toluene diffused out of the tube wall and was transferred into the culture broth where degradation by biofilms occurred. The operating variables affecting the formation of biofihns on celite particles were investigated in the bubble column bioreactor, and it was found that formation of bifilm is favored by high dilution rate and supply rate of carbon source which stimulate the growth of initially attached cells. Continuous biodegradation of toluene using biofilms was stablely conducted in the bioreactor for more than one month without any significant fluctuation, showing a removal efficiency higher than 95% at the toluene transfer rate of 1.2 g/L/h.