Suitability of a modified capillary membrane for growth of fungal biofilms

• Published in: Desalination Vol. 115; no. 3; pp. 303 - 306
• Main Authors: Ryan, D.R., Russell, A.K., Leukes, W.D., Rose, P.D., Burton, S.G.
• Format: Journal Article Conference Proceeding
• Language: English
• Published: Amsterdam Elsevier B.V 01.08.1998; Elsevier
• Subjects: Applied sciences; biodegradation; Biological and medical sciences; Biological treatment of waters; Bioreactors; Bioremediation; Biotechnology; Coriolus versicolor; Cresol bioremediation; Drinking water and swimming-pool water. Desalination; Environment and pollution; Enzymes; Exact sciences and technology; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; Fungi; General purification processes; Industrial applications and implications. Economical aspects; Membrane bioreactors; Membranes; Morphology; Neurospora crassa; Organic compounds; p-cresol; Pollution; Trametes versicolor; Wastewaters; Water treatment and pollution; White rot fungi; Cresol bioremediation; Membrane bioreactors; Trametes versicolor; White rot fungi; Drinking water treatment; Growth; Coriolus versicolor; Basidiomycetes; Biological purification; Cresol; Fungi; Membrane reactor; Bioreactor; Hollow fiber; Biofilm; Phenols; Waste water purification; Thallophyta; Organic compounds
• ISSN: 0011-9164; 1873-4464
• DOI: 10.1016/S0011-9164(98)00049-6

A preliminary study was carried out to determine the feasibility of growing two model fungal organisms as biofilms in bioreactors in which the biofilm was supported on novel capillary membranes which have no external skin, and thus allow high transmembrane flux. The fungi used were Trametes versicolor and Neurospora crassa. Biofilm morphology and extracellular enzyme production were monitored. The removal from the bioreactor feed of a model pollutant, p-cresol, by T. versicolor was investigated, and results indicated that the cresol was removed from the solution.