Innovative Bioreactor Development for Methanotrophic Biodegradation of Trichloroethylene
Abstract
The objective of this work was to develop an innovative bench-scale two-stage bioreactor for biodegradation of trichloroethylene (TCE) based on a methanotrophic (copper-tolerant mutant of Methylosinus trichosporium QB3b) microbiological system. Methanotrophic cometabolism of TCE was enhanced by separating cell growth and soluble methane monooxygenase (sMMO) production and recovery, from TCE contact and degradation. The bioreactor consists of a continuous stirred tank reactor (CSTR), a series of four plug-flow reactor columns and a dewatering system. The reactor was pressurized to increase mass transfer of methane and oxygen to the cells. The reactor was successfully operated at TCE feed concentrations ranging from 0.2 mg/L to 20 mg/L. Degradation efficiencies were 99.5 percent to 70 percent, consecutively. The addition of formate enhanced and stabilized reactor performance of degradation of TCE at 10 mg/L. A preliminary process design for construction of a 0.5 gpm pilot-scale system was developed from bench-scale results. Trichloroethylene, Methanotrophs, Cometabolism, Bioremediation.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 1994
- Accession Number
- ADA284025
Entities
People
- A. V. Palumbo
- G. S. Sayler
- J. L. Strong-cunderson
- S. E. Herbes
- T. L. Donaldson
Organizations
- Oak Ridge National Laboratory