Breaking down of volatile organic pollutant(s) - by combined action of photo-synthetically active algae sharing reactor cavity with pollutant selective bacteria

摘要

In the biological breakdown of volatile organic materials, photo-synthetically active algae absorb inorganic carbon in the form of CO2 while emitting O2. The O2 is taken up by a separate colony of bacteria which in turn produce CO2 needed tby the algae. On a suitable reactor, light received through a transparent outer cylindrical casing impinges on algae in the outer compartment sepd. by a gas-permeable membrane from an inner compartment. The membrane surface facing the outer casing supports the algae which emit O2, transferring by a pressure gradient to the inner compartment where the membrane is coated with bacteria suitable for the particular gaseous pollutant. Gases are exchanged between the two compartments via a filter. A reactor may hold a suspension of algae, with light-sources arranged in an internal pattern, or a single elongated light tube. USE/ADVANTAGE - For by-prods. from petroleum processing etc. which include harmful material such as carcinogens. With effective use of light in combined operation by algae and bacteria, breakdown efficiency is improved.