Biodegradation of BTEX vapors in a silicone membrane bioreactor system

The biotreatment of complex mixtures of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylene isomers (BTEX) has been investigated by many workers. However, the majority of the work has dealt with the treatment of aqueous or soil phase contamination. The biological treatment of gas and vapor phase sources of VOC wastes has recently received attention with increased usage of biofilters and bioscrubbers. Although these systems are relatively inexpensive, performance problems associated with biomass plugging, gas channeling, and support media acidification have limited their adoption. In this report we describe the development and evaluation of an alternative biotreatment system that allows rapid diffusion of both BTEX and oxygen through a silicone membrane to an active biofilm. The bioreactor system has a rapid liquid recycle, which facilitates nutrient medium mixing over the biofilm and allows for removal of sloughing cell mass. The system removed BTEX at rates up to 30 μg h⁻¹ cm⁻² of membrane area. BTEX removal efficiencies ranged from 75% to 99% depending on the BTEX concentration and vapor flowrate. Consequently, the system can be used for continuous removal and destruction of BTEX and other potential target VOCs in vapor phase streams. Journal of Industrial Microbiology & Biotechnology (2001) 26, 316–325. Received 14 August 2000/ Accepted in revised form 28 February 2001