The two-phase water/silicon oil bioreactor prospects in off-gas treatment

Research was carried out to develop a biphasic biologic reactor able to clean the gas effluents polluted by volatile organic compounds. Initially, Rhodococcus erythropolis T 902.1 was selected on the basis of its capacity to degrade isopropylbenzene (IPB). The effect of gas flow and IPB concentration on the biodegadation of IPB was evaluated. The results show that the use of silicon oil allows large quantities of IPB to be absorbed within the medium of biologic abatement. On the other hand, the biodegradation rate was directly correlated to the inlet flow of IPB. Thus, the reactor presents interesting opportunities for the biologic treatment of gas effluents.