SUBMERGED SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR REMOVAL OF UNDESIRABLE SUBSTANCES FROM AQUEOUS MEDIA

A system and method are provided for removal of undesirable substances from a body of liquid. The system can include an aeration structure having a continuously inclined surface configured to provide an interaction of air bubbles against substantially an entire length of the continuously inclined surface while the air bubbles are moving toward a top of the body of liquid. The continuously inclined surface can be substantially submerged in the body of liquid. A bio-film of diverse bacteria colonies is disposed on the continuously inclined surface, and a high surface area-to-volume structure is located in proximity to the aeration structure, upon which a bio-film of bacteria colonies can be formed. An aeration system is coupled to an air supply system which releases the air bubbles toward a bottom of the continuously inclined surface, such that the air bubbles move along the continuously inclined surface as they rise so as to (i) create a variety of aerobic-anaerobic conditions at the bio-film and (ii) engage the air bubbles in a continuous mixing of a micro climate for the bio-film in response to an orientation of the continuously inclined surface and (iii) provide airlift circulation of water from bottom to top of the aeration structure.