Title: Identification and characteristic analysis of microorganisms in an integrated bioreactor for odours treatment

Authors: Lin Li, Junxin Liu

Addresses: Department of Water Pollution Control Technology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 18, Shuang Qing Road, Hai Dian District, Beijing 100085, PR China. ' Department of Water Pollution Control Technology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 18, Shuang Qing Road, Hai Dian District, Beijing 100085, PR China

Abstract: Odours containing some hydrophilic and hydrophobic compounds could be efficiently removed by the degradation of bacteria and fungi in an integrated bioreactor. Microorganisms from the integrated bioreactor were observed and identified. The amount, species and distribution characteristics of the microorganisms depended on the properties of the compounds being treated, the concentration and the microenvironment in the integrated bioreactor. Microscopic investigation of microorganism distribution of the packing material showed that much more biomass accumulated on the surface, in which fungi were dominant, compared with only a few bacteria inside the packing material. Symbiotic bacteria could grow on the fungi mycelium.

Keywords: odours; odour treatment; wastewater treatment plants; integrated bioreactors; identification; characteristic microorganisms; microscopic investigation; bacteria; fungi; degradation; hydrophilic compounds; hydrophobic compounds.

DOI: 10.1504/IJEP.2009.025126

International Journal of Environment and Pollution, 2009 Vol.37 No.2/3, pp.216 - 234

Published online: 13 May 2009 *

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