Monday March 23rd, 4pm, Mann Hall 323
Abstract: Biological systems have a fantastic potential for the biotransformation of a wide range of substances including numerous man made pollutants. This provides opportunities for the development of novel and environmentally friendly bioprocesses for pollution control. Yet the full potential of bioreactors for air pollution control has yet not been fully exploited.
In this talk, a brief overview of biofiltration principles and applications will be presented first. Next, recent advances in the development of novel bioreactors for air pollution control will presented and discussed. Specific examples include the biological treatment of volatile methyl siloxanes (VMS) from simulated landfill gas, the biodegradation of H2S in alkaline biotrickling filters, and the reductive dehalogenation of TCE vapors in anaerobic biotrickling filters. Implications for practical applications, challenges and opportunities will be discussed.