Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 21, 2026

A Novel Bioreactor for High Density Cultivation of Diverse Microbial Communities
Published on: December 25, 2015
Simultaneous nitrification/denitrification in a biofilm airlift suspension (BAS) reactor with biodegradable carrier
Evelyn Walters1, Andrea Hille, Mei He
1Institute of Water Quality Control, Technische Universität München, Am Coulombwall, Garching, Germany.
Abstract:
Simultaneous nitrification and denitrification in one reactor has been realized with different methods in the past. The usage of biodegradable biocompounds as biofilm carriers is new. The biocompounds were designed out of two polymers having different degradability. Together with suspended autotrophic biomass the biocompound particles were fluidized in an airlift reactor. Process water from sludge dewatering with a mean ammonium nitrogen concentration of 1150 mg L(-1) was treated in a two stage system which achieved a nitrogen removal of 75%. Batch experiments clearly indicate that nitrification can be localized in the suspended biomass and denitrification in the pore structure of the slowly degraded biocompounds. Images taken with CLSM prove the concept of the pore structure within the biocompounds, which provide both a heterotrophic biofilm and carbon source.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Bioreactor Design and Operational System
Bioreactor Controls-II
Microbes and the Nitrogen Cycle
Microbial Wastewater Treatment
Microbial Bioremediation of Hydrocarbons
Biological Treatment of Effluent and Waste Water

