A BATCH REACTOR FOR MONITORING PROCESS DYNAMICS DURING BIODEGRADATIONOF VOLATILE ORGANICS

Data are presented that demonstrate a batch reactor that allows accura te monitoring of process dynamics during biodegradation of volatile or ganics. Using this system, many samples can be removed in a aseptic fa shion, allowing frequent measurements of the concentrations of biomass , electron donors, electron acceptors, and volatile compounds. Additio nally, the reactor is well instrumented, allowing the continuous monit oring of pH, oxidation/reduction potential, pressure, and temperature. The reactor is constructed entirely of materials which have minimal i nteraction with volatile organic compounds. It is also demonstrated th at sample removal does not cause losses of volatile compounds since th e sampling ports are double sealed, making use of both gas-tight stain less steel ball valves and Teflon-lined septa.