Aspectos microbiologicos, bioquimicos y fisicoquimicos de la biofiltracion de efluentes gaseosos

This paper presents a study on the biofiltration of gaseous effluents for the reduction and removal of unpleasant odors and volatile organic and inorganic compounds. The main industrial pollutants which can be treated by air biofiltration are identified. The most common materials used as packing are described as well as the properties required to be efficient in removing contaminant substances and optimizing the development of the active microbial film. Microbiological, biochemical, and physicochemical aspects of air biofiltration are analyzed in order to understand the phenomena that govern the biofilter operation. That is, diffusion, absorption, adsorption, biodegradation reactions and microbial growth kinetics. It is shown that this technology represents a versatile, simple, economic and efficient cleaning method, for a wide variety of unpleasant and toxic volatile compounds.