Remediation of bromate-contaminated groundwater in an ex situ fixed-film bioreactor

Use of a pilot-scale fixed-film bioreactor was investigated for remediation of bromate contamination within groundwater. Bromate reduction with stoichiometric production of bromide was observed, providing supporting evidence for complete reduction of bromate with no production of stable intermediates. Reduction of 87–90% bromate from an influent concentration of 1.1 mg L−1 was observed with retention times of 40–80 h. Lower retention times led to decreases in bromate reduction capability, with 11.5% removal at a 10 h retention time. Nitrate reduction of 76–99% from a 30.7 mg L−1 as NO3 − influent was observed at retention times of 10–80 h, although an increase in nitrite production to 2.7 mg L−1 occurred with a 10 h retention time. Backwashing was not required, with the large plastic packing media able to accommodate biomass accumulation without decreases in operational efficiency. This study has provided proof of concept and demonstrated the potential of biological bromate reduction by fixed-film processes for remediation of a bromate contaminated groundwater source.