A Novel Approach to Biological Treatment of Contaminated Water

Abstract

Abstract Over the past few years, the focus of our research has been to respond to the recognized needs for novel biological processes that are capable of destroying a wide range of biodegradable pollutants and providing the perfect environment for complex interspecies interactions required for the degradation of environmental contaminants. A new biotechnology process called Biological Permeable Barrier (BPB) was developed to provide high microbial density, stable environmental conditions, and protective measures for microbial activities for in‐situ bioremediation of contaminated groundwater. This patented technology (U.S. Patent 6,337,019 ) is based on the creation of a structured matrix, or Bio‐beads, that provides the perfect environment for organic‐degrading microorganisms to establish biofilms capable of destroying the contaminants in water with remarkable stability and control. For over 240 days, the viability and performance of the BPB (Bio‐beads) system were shown for biodegradation of a targeted contaminant, 2,4,6‐ trichlorophenol (TCP), under a variety of operating and stress conditions (Razavi‐Shirazi, 1997 ). Extensive batch experiments were also conducted to obtain necessary data to determine the rate of TCP diffusion into the Bio‐beads, adsorption properties of the Bio‐beads, and substrate‐use rate of the mixed bioculture as free cells and as immobilized cells (Bio‐beads). A simulated model of BPB was also characterized with its porosity, permeability, and compressibility or deformation under typical field conditions. Our extensive research showed that BPB takes advantage of a controlled biotechnology process to overcome the disadvantages and uncertainties associated with conventional biological processes. A summary of our investigation is presented here. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

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Identifiers

DOI

10.1002/rem.10036

Journal

Remediation Journal

Year

2002