An extensive literature survey concerning C$ sb1$ and C$ sb2$ chlorinated aliphatic hydrocarbon (CAH) biodegradation is presented and membrane bioreactor (MBR) technology is exercised towards PCE bioremediation. A 108-day run was conducted utilizing a pilot-scale 20 L MBR comprising a methanol-fed mixed-methanogenic culture operating at a constant 1-day HRT and 36-day SRT. The MBR exhibited long-term (four months) PCE degradation activity at biomass concentrations of 0.61 to 1.45 g protein/L and contaminant loadings of 100 to 400 $ mu$mol PCE/L. The bacteria showed quick acclimation and improved PCE degradation with long-term PCE exposure. The maximum specific TCE formation rates were 50 to 80 $ mu$mol TCE produced/g protein day. In spite of a rapid permeate flux decline at the beginning of the run, the flux stabilized at a satisfactory level. A number suggestions to further enhance CAH biodegradation and issues concerning membrane fouling are described.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:LACETR/oai:collectionscanada.gc.ca:QMM.27240 |
| Date | January 1997 |
| Creators | MacNeil, Susan Lynne. |
| Publisher | McGill University |
| Source Sets | Library and Archives Canada ETDs Repository / Centre d'archives des thèses électroniques de Bibliothèque et Archives Canada |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Electronic Thesis or Dissertation |
| Format | application/pdf |
| Coverage | Master of Engineering (Department of Civil Engineering and Applied Mechanics.) |
| Rights | All items in eScholarship@McGill are protected by copyright with all rights reserved unless otherwise indicated. |
| Relation | alephsysno: 001571397, proquestno: MQ29613, Theses scanned by UMI/ProQuest. |
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