AbstractA novel extractive membrane bioreactor (EMB) system, in which a silicone rubber membrane separates a contaminated gas stream from an aerated biomedium, extracted and biodegraded 1,2‐dichloroethane (DCE) from a gaseous waste stream. Selective transfer of the organic compound takes place through the silicone membrane to the biomedium, where biodegradation occurs. At a gas flow rate of 770 mL min−1and an average DCE concentration of 0.65 mg L−1, the EMB, with 2.5 m2of membrane surface contained in a spirally wound module, degraded 91 of the DCE. A biofilm grew on the membrane surface and caused a 600 mbar pressure drop at steady state conditions. The chloride ions released by DCE mineralization were 99 of the stoichiometric amount, while 60 of the total amount of carbon crossing the membrane as DCE was bioconverted to CO2. The overall mass transfer coefficient across the membrane in the absence of microbial activity was (0.8‐1.3) × 10−6m s−1and was controlled by the liquid film resistance. Extensive biofilm growth significantly lowered the DCE flux. Comparison of the EMB to a direct bioscrubbing process showed that the EMB system has superior volumetri
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