Development of an Intermediate-Scale Aerobic Bioreactor to Regenerate Nutrients from Inedible Crop Residues

Abstract

<div class="htmlview paragraph">Three Intermediate-Scale Aerobic Bioreactors were designed, fabricated, and operated. They utilized mixed microbial communities to bio-degrade plant residues. The continuously stirred tank reactors operated at a working volume of 8 L, and the average oxygen mass transfer coefficient, k<sub>L</sub>a, was 0.01 s<sup>-1</sup>. Mixing time was 35 s.</div> <div class="htmlview paragraph">An experiment using inedible wheat residues, a replenishment rate of 0.125 day<sup>-1</sup>, and a solids loading rate of 20 gdw day<sup>-1</sup> yielded a 48% reduction in biomass. Bioreactor effluent was successfully used to regenerate a wheat hydroponic nutrient solution. Over 80% of available potassium, calcium, and other minerals were recovered and recycled in the 76-day wheat growth experiment.</div>