Sustained degradation of n-pentane and isobutane in a gas-phase bioreactor

Microorganisms were able to remove hydrocarbons (pentane and isobutane) from air by biological action in a columnar bioreactor with ceramic packing. The reactor was operated in a liquid continuous mode with gas recirculation and a slow addition of the organic-containing air. After a period of acclimation, the reactor has operated for 12 months with only pentane and isobutane as carbon sources. The gaseous hydrocarbons have been degraded throughout this period. The hydrocarbon removal rates measured between 1 and 2 g h^-1 m^-3. The microbes were shown to be able to degrade these gaseous hydrocarbons completely in a closed bioreactor without any additional nutrients.