Organic carbon removal using a new biofilm reactor

This study consisted of the construction and laboratory testing of a new ex perimental biofilm reactor for the carbonaceous oxidation of a synthetic wa stewater. The biofilm unit used in the reactor was constructed from corruga ted plastic sheets in the form of a cube which was moved vertically, and wa s alternately immersed in and lifted out of the wastewater. In the experime ntal work, soluble chemical oxygen demand removal rates of 43 g CODs/m(2) d or 3.8 kg CODs/m(3) d were achieved and these rates compare favourably wit h other biofilm systems. The new biofilm experimental unit was simple to co nstruct and operate, and was very effective in biologically treating the sy nthetic wastewater used in the study. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science Ltd. All ri ghts reserved.