Biosorption Processes for Natural and Waste Water Treatment – Part II: Experimental Studies and Theoretical Model of a Biosorption Fixed Bed

Abstract

AbstractA model has been developed for fixed‐bed biosorption performance, i.e. combined action of adsorption of organic water contaminants and their biological destruction in a column. The model contains an adsorption isotherm of the Freundlich type, adsorption kinetics by an overall film mass transfer (Glueckauf equation), maximum bacterial growth,and biological aerobic destruction (Monod model) of the organics by exoenzymes. Bacteria can not penetrate into the pores of the adsorbent. The model was tested using the system aqueous solution of aniline/Pseudomonas putida/Polysorb 40/100. Breakthrough curves in shorter columns have been measured and a velocity‐dependent steady‐state exit concentration was achieved. These curves could be simulated with sufficient accuracy on the basis of isotherm data, mass transfer coefficients and values of biological growth and destruction activity estimated from independent measurements.