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Gas Phase Degradation of VOCs Using Supported Bacteria Biofilms
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  • Chao Xu,
  • Ben Frigo vaz,
  • Joshua Goering,
  • Ping Wang
Chao Xu
University of Minnesota Department of Bioproducts and Biosystems Engineering

Corresponding Author:xu000441@umn.edu

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Ben Frigo vaz
University of Minnesota Department of Bioproducts and Biosystems Engineering
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Joshua Goering
University of Minnesota Department of Bioproducts and Biosystems Engineering
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Ping Wang
University of Minnesota Department of Bioproducts and Biosystems Engineering
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Abstract

Herein we report the use of Pseudomonas putida F1 biofilms grown on carbonized cellulosic fibers to achieve biodegradation of airborne VOCs in the absence of any bulk aqueous phase media. It is believed that direct exposure of gaseous VOC substrates to biomass may eliminate aqueous phase mass transfer resistance and facilitate VOC capture and degradation. When tested with toluene vapor as a model VOC, the supported biofilm could grow optimally at 300 ppm toluene and 80% relative humidity, with a specific growth rate of 0.425 day -1. During long-term VOC biodegradation tests in a tubular packed bed reactor, biofilms achieved a toluene degradation rate of 2.5 mg g DCW -1 h -1 during the initial exponential growth phase. Interestingly, the P. putida F1 film kept biodegrading activity even at the subsequent stationary non-growth phase. The supported biofilms with a biomass loading of 20% (wt) could degrade toluene at a rate of 1.9 mg g DCW -1 h -1 during the stationary phase, releasing CO 2 at a rate of 6.4 mg g DCW -1 h -1 at the same time (indicating 100% conversion of substrate carbon to CO 2). All the specific degradation rates are much higher than what can be gleaned from previously reported work. It also demonstrates the feasibility of biofilm growth and direct gas phase degradation of VOCs without requiring any bulk aqueous phase.
22 Sep 2022Submitted to Biotechnology and Bioengineering
23 Sep 2022Submission Checks Completed
23 Sep 2022Assigned to Editor
23 Oct 2022Reviewer(s) Assigned
12 Nov 2022Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
12 Nov 2022Editorial Decision: Revise Major
12 Jan 20231st Revision Received
13 Jan 2023Submission Checks Completed
13 Jan 2023Assigned to Editor
13 Jan 2023Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
09 Feb 2023Editorial Decision: Accept