Abstract
This paper describes an illuminated reactor that allows the spontaneous development of biofilms aimed at the treatment of sulfide-containing streams. The reactor operates as a sulfidostat and is composed of an illuminated packed-column, in which microorganisms are exposed to constant low substrate concentrations, thereby avoiding inhibition due to high sulfide concentrations. The control system allows highly polluted streams to be oxidized by the microbial biofilm while ensuring the quality of the effluent produced. Both monospecies and multispecies biofilms have been developed. Biofilms undergo changes in light irradiance and sulfide load while providing a consistent reduction of the sulfide levels, down to micromolar concentrations. Both types of biofilm developed differ from stirred reactors in that their specific activities are lower, constituting systems with a slow dynamic behavior and, therefore, they are less sensitive to sudden disturbances.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
