Cyclohexane Removal in a Dual-Tube Membrane Bioreactor

A dual-tube dense-phase silicone rubber membrane bioreactor was investigated for control of cyclohexane-contaminated air as part of a jet propulsion (JP-8) fuel remediation investigation strategy. The reactor was seeded with a mixed bacterial consortium isolated from the water/fuel interface of a JP-8 jet fuel sample and activated sludge, capable of aromatic and cyclic compound biodegradation. Cyclohexane removal ranged from 1.1 to 28.6 mg L^?1, with removal percentages ranging from 4.6% to 37.6%. Removal in the bioreactor ranged from 29.4 to 596.6 mg min^?1 m^?2 and measured elimination capacities ranged from 46.7 to 947.9 g m^?3 h^?1. Removal rates and elimination capacity increased with increasing biofilm growth and with increasing loading rates of cyclohexane. Loading rates ranged from 395.9 to 2189.5 mg min^?1 m^?2. Results of this study showed effective removal of cyclohexane using the membrane bioreactor, suggesting that this technology may have applicability for treating vapors contaminated with cyclic hydrocarbons.