Water Pollution and Control:

 Water Pollution and Control 

Bioreactors:

A bioreactor is a closed system that supports the growth of cells, microorganisms, or plant cells in a culture medium. It's used to convert raw materials into products.

In a wastewater treatment process, a bioreactor is specifically-designed chamber to support a biologically active environment, namely where bacteria and protozoa (the so-called biomass) can grow and consume some (or all) the substances within the raw wastewater.

They can be aerobic (to remove organic matter and oxidize ammonia to nitrate), anoxic (to remove nitrogen from nitrates to nitrogen gas) or anaerobic (to remove organic matter), depending on the presence of oxygen and nitrates or their absence. Typically, membranes are installed after aerobic or anaerobic bioreactors (respectively, the MBR and the An MBR processes).

Temperature, pH, and oxygen: Bioreactors regulate temperature, pH, and oxygen concentration to create a controlled environment. 

·         Nutrient supply: Bioreactors supply nutrients to the organisms growing inside. 

·         Agitation: Bioreactors use agitation to mix the phases inside the reactor. 

·         Aeration: Bioreactors have aeration systems to provide oxygen to the organisms inside. 

·         Waste removal: Bioreactors have a drain or overflow vent to remove waste biomass and products. 

There are three types of bioreactors:

• Suspended growth bioreactors, where the biomass grows into flocs;
• Attached growth (or biofilm) bioreactors, where the biomass grows attached to carriers;
• Hybrid bioreactors, which combines suspended and attached growth.

Typically, suspended growth bioreactors are these ones used for MBR processes. If properly designed, hybrid bioreactors can be used as well.