BIOREACTOR APPLICATIONS IN WASTE TREATMENT

An overview of bioreactor applications in treatment of gaseous, liquid and solid wastes is presented with emphasis on newer technologies. Wa ste treatment is considered in a broad context including concentration by bioaccumulation, degradation to substances with reduced environmen tal impact and upgrading to such useful products as feeds, foods and f uels. Biofilters and bioscrubbers for gaseous pollutants, high-rate mu nicipal and industrial wastewater treatment in airlift bioreactors, re actor-based soil bioremediation, artificial wetland filters for liquid effluents, and protein enrichment of agricultural solid residues are some of the technologies reviewed. The various treatment strategies ar e illustrated with examples. The developments discussed point to an in creasing role for bioreactor based processes in waste treatment and re use.