Use of protozoa to control biomass in biotrickling filters for waste air treatment

The use of protozoa preying upon bacteria to decrease the rate of biomass accumulation in toluene-degrading biotrickling filters is investigated. As compared to a control filter without added protozoa, the filter enriched with a consortium of protozoa showed improved stability and better performance. Under standard operating conditions, toluene elimination capacities of the control filter and the filter enriched with protozoa were 33 and 35 g/m3.h, respectively. Toluene degradation rates reached a maximum at toluene concentrations exceeding 2.5 g/m3, with maximal toluene elimination capacities of 75 and 85 g/m3.h, respectively. At the same time, biomass accumulation in the biotrickling filter enriched with protozoa was slower.

Duke Scholars

Author Marc Deshusses Civil and Environmental Engineering