Organic carbon removal using a new biofilm reactor

This study consisted of the construction and laboratory testing of a new experimental biofilm reactor for the carbonaceous oxidation of a synthetic wastewater. The biofilm unit used in the reactor was constructed from corrugated plastic sheets in the form of a cube which was moved vertically, and was alternately immersed in and lifted out of the wastewater. In the experimental work, soluble chemical oxygen demand removal rates of 43 g CODS/m2 d or 3.8 kg CODS/m3 d were achieved and these rates compare favourably with other biofilm systems. The new biofilm experimental unit was simple to construct and operate, and was very effective in biologically treating the synthetic wastewater used in the study.