Bioremediation process analysis

In the selection of a microbial system and bioremediation method, some examination of the degradation pathway is necessary. At a minimum, the final degradation products must be tested for toxicity and other regulatory demands for closure. Recent advances in the study of microbial metabolism of xenobiotics have identified potentially toxic intermediate products (Singleton, 1994). A regulatory agency sets treatment objectives for site remediation, and process analysis must determine whether bioremediation can meet these site objectives. Specific treatment objectives for some individual compounds have been established. In other cases total petroleum hydrocarbons total benzene, toluene, ethyl benzene, and xylene (BTEX) or total polynuclear aromatics objectives are set, while in yet others, a toxicology risk assessment must be performed. 

A crucial aspect of process analysis is the determination of the rate-controlling step or steps. In soil bioremediation, three considerations for the rate-controlling step have been outlined (Li, Annamalai Hopper, 1993) as follows ... 

In this chapter, some aspects of the transformation and mobilization of metals by microorganisms in relation to the soil environment have been outlined. It seems evident that metal-microbe interactions are important in several soil contexts, not least in the biogeochemical cycling of metals, associated elements, and nutrients, and in plant productivity. The application and potential of many natural microbial and microbe-plant processes are also growing topics in the area of bioremediation. However, analysis and understanding of the effects of toxic metals on microbial communities is relatively limited despite extensive research, and many studies are site specific. Clearly, the complexity of interactions between metal species and soil components, as well as between metal... 

SECM can be applied to imaging and kinetic studies of biological systems. Ground work on enzymes, ion channels, and cellular system has been reported and demonstrates SECM capabilities. To use SECM in diagnostic assays, nucleic acid analysis, biosensor, bioremediation or other biotechnological processes, SECM needs to be applied quantitatively to different biological systems. There is also a need for the development of accessible kinetic theories, the development of controlled substrate methodologies, and the fabrication of smaller well-characterized UMEs that would increase the lateral resolution of SECM. 

Farid Benyahia (immobilized nitrifiers in wastewater treatment membrane distillation desalination water quality and energy efficiency analysis airlift bioreactors low-grade heat in membrane distillation for freshwater production bioremediation of oil spills development, design and evaluation of advanced refinery wastewater treatment processes), College of Engineering, Department of Chemical Engineering, Qatar University (QU), Doha... 

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