Optimization of the volume fraction of an absorbent phase (silicone oil)and biodegradation kinetics of DMDS in a TPPB.
Résumé
To improve the removal of hydrophobic Volatile Org. Compds. (VOC), an integrated process coupling an absorption step and a biol. treatment in a Two-Phase Partitioning Bioreactor was considered. A preliminary bibliog. review allowed to select a silicon oil (Polydimethylsiloxane),which appeared efficient for both steps, VOC absorption and biodegrdn., since this oil was biocompatible, non-biodegradable and had a negligible soly. in water. The purpose of this work was the implementation of this org. phase in the bioreactor. BOD5 measurements showed that a ratio ranging between 20 and 30% of silicone oil in water was found to be optimal for the treatment of DMDS, in relation with interfacial area considerations. For a small proportion of oil, the emulsion is homogeneous but the interfacial area is small; while for high ratios, the oil is not totally emulsified and hence the transfer appears limiting leading to decreasing substrate availability. [on SciFinder(R)]