Biodegradation of vapor phase contaminants in a packed column

Bioremediation of a contaminated vapor stream involves overcoming at least three external mass transfer resistances in order to supply the contaminant to a biofilm where further diffusion and biodegradation occur. This paper reports on a process model incorporating these phenomena which has been developed, and several experimental systems are in use for its validation and calibration. Salient features of the model and system performance data will be presented in support of a rational basis for design and operation of vapor phase bioremediation systems for industrial and environmental applications