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Abstract
During the elimination of H2S from biogas in an aqueous ferric sulphate solution, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and methane are absorbed and may have an effect on the subsequent biological regeneration of ferric ion. This study was conducted to investigate the effect of maximum concentrations of methane and some VOCs found in biogas on the ferrous oxidation of an acidophilic microbial consortium (FO consortium). The presence and impact of heterotrophic microorganisms on the activity of the acidophilic consortium was also evaluated. No effect on the ferrous oxidation rate was found with gas concentrations of 1500 mg toluene m−3, 1400 mg 2-butanol m−3 or 1250 mg 1,2-dichloroethane m−3, nor with methane at gas concentrations ranging from 15–25% (v/v). A tenfold increase in VOCs concentrations totally inhibited the microbial activity of the FO consortium and the heterotrophs. The presence of a heterotrophic fungus may promote the autotrophic growth of the FO consortium.
Acknowledgements
The authors wish to thank the project Alfa BIOPROAM for the financing received under project Bio-processes: Clean technologies for the protection and viability of the environment, N° Contract AML/190901/06/18414/II-0548-FC-FA. To the Institute of Science and Technology of Mexico City (project ICyTDF 285/2009). We thank also the technical assistance of Gabriel Vigueras, Guillermo Baquerizo and Sergio Hernandez.