Chapter 4 - Aerobic biofilm systems for biological wastewater treatment

Abstract

The rapid industrialization has led to the complex composition and difficult degradation of industrial wastewater, which has forced the development of aerobic biofilm systems. Although upgrading aerobic biofilms strives to meet the needs of wastewater treatment, the regulation of biofilm formation and the selection of operation conditions have not fully achieved the desired results. In this chapter, the research progress of aerobic biofilm systems including traditional biofilm technologies, advanced biofilm technologies, and hybrid biofilm technologies is summarized from the aspects of process description, influencing factors, and treatment performance. As a vital participant in the aerobic biofilm system, microorganisms are highlighted in discussions from microbial metabolisms to changes in microbial community structure. Meanwhile, the advantages and disadvantages of various aerobic biofilm processes are compared, and the future direction of the development of aerobic biofilm systems is pointed out. This chapter provides a basis for process selection under various wastewater treatment requirements and is expected to help managers deal with the shock of environmental changes and upgrade wastewater treatment plansts.