Method of increasing biodegradation of sparingly soluble vapors

Patent · Sat Jan 01 00:00:00 EST 2000

OSTI ID:872794

Cherry, Robert S ^[1]

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1. Idaho Falls, ID

A method for increasing biodegradation of sparingly soluble volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in a bioreactor is disclosed. The method comprises dissolving in the aqueous phase of the bioreactor a water soluble, nontoxic, non-biodegradable polymer having a molecular weight of at least 500 and operable for decreasing the distribution coefficient of the VOCs. Polyoxyalkylene alkanols are preferred polymers. A method of increasing the growth rate of VOC-degrading microorganisms in the bioreactor and a method of increasing the solubility of sparingly soluble VOCs in aqueous solution are also disclosed.

• Research Organization: Idaho National Laboratory (INL), Idaho Falls, ID (United States)
• DOE Contract Number: AC07-94ID13223
• Assignee: Lockheed Idaho Technologies Company (Idaho Falls, ID)
• Patent Number(s): US 6010900
• OSTI ID: 872794
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

method
increasing
biodegradation
sparingly
soluble
vapors
volatile
organic
compounds
vocs
bioreactor
disclosed
comprises
dissolving
aqueous
phase
water
nontoxic
non-biodegradable
polymer
molecular
weight
500
operable
decreasing
distribution
coefficient
polyoxyalkylene
alkanols
preferred
polymers
growth
rate
voc-degrading
microorganisms
solubility
solution
comprises dissolving
growth rate
water soluble
organic compound
method comprises
organic compounds
aqueous solution
molecular weight
volatile organic
aqueous phase
method comprise
sparingly soluble
increasing biodegradation
/435/210/