The objective of this line of research is the isolation of microorganisms with the capacity to biodegrade volatile organic compounds that are presently in the biogas generated from the anaerobic digestion in urban wastewater treatment plants. One of the frequent waste products in these waters are organic silicones, the decomposition of which generates siloxanes. During biogas combustion these compounds are completely oxidated into silicon dioxide, which causes the systems that generate energy to corrode and consequently malfunction. The isolation of microorganisms with the capacity to biodegrade siloxanes would enable the biological elimination of these compounds to be combined with chemical adsorption in activated coal.
On the left, an image in the electronic microscope of the bacteria attached to the inorganic support of a biotrickling filter, showing the characteristic appendixes
On the right, an image and outline of the functioning of a drip filter (biotrickling filter) for the elimination of siloxans in a gas flow. The main components of the column bioreactor and control systems are shown. This is a column of a combined flow of liquid (from top to bottom) and gas (from bottom to top) where microorganisms are attached to a solid matrix, generally inert.
Collaborative line of research with LEQUIA
Projects: BiogasApp