Biodegradation of recalictrant components of organic mixtures

Biodegradation of two recalcitrant compounds, dichloromethane and methyl tert-butyl ether was investigated individually and in combination with toluene and benzene. A vapor phase biofilter operating at an air flux of 1 m super(3)/m super(2). min and an empty bed residence time of 1 minute was used as the reaction system. Inlet recalcitrant contaminant concentrations were typically 35 ppm on a volume basis while the aromatic compound concentrations were varied from 8 ppm to 150 ppm. Dichloromethane removals were not impacted by the introduction of toluene. However, a rapid decrease in methyl tert-butyl ether removal resulted from the initial introduction of toluene. Complete removal of both methyl tert-butyl ether and toluene was achieved within a week of operation.