Removal of air-phase 1,2-dichloroethane in a biofilter: A comparison of cometabolism using pre-loaded phenol and concurrent phenol addition

A laboratory investigation was performed to study the feasibility of using activated carbon pre-loaded with phenol as the base material in a biofilter used to remove air-phase 1,2-dichloroethane (DCA). Phenol has been shown t o be a suitable cometabolite in the aerobic decomposition of chlorinated or ganics. The DCA removals achieved with pre-loaded phenol were compared to r emovals achieved with concurrent phenol addition. Results of this study ind icate that pre-loading of phenol may avoid the enzyme competition that caus es the low removal of chlorinated organics normally achieved by air-phase b iofilters. The technique of pre-loaded growth substrate requires further re search and refinement.