Biodegradation of Toluene and Xylene in an UAPB Bioreactor with Fixed Film of Pseudomonas putida

Abstract

In this study toluene and xylene were degraded in an anaerobic column bioreactor. Experiments were conducted in an up-flow anaerobic packed bed reactor (UAPBR). A thick layer of biofilm of Pseudomonas putida (PTCC 1694) was developed on solid support. UAPB was significantly capable to decrease chemical oxygen demand (COD) of monoaromatic influent. At hydraulic retention time (HRT) of 24 h and OLR of 2 gCOD/l.d, the COD removal for xylene and toluene were 62 and 65%, respectively. Maximum uptake concentration of 7000 and 10000 mg xylene and toluene per liter for P. putida were experimented. At HRT of 72 h and concentration of 7000 mg/l, the COD removal efficiencies for xylene and toluene were 74 and 80%, respectively.