Increased biofilm activity in BGAC reactors

In bioreactors systems granulated activated carbon (GAC) was proven to be an advantageous biofilm carrier over inert media with similar physical properties (nonadsorbing carbon) under conditions of pollutant partial penetration in the biofilm. Results from laboratory experiments using atrazine degrading bacteria (Pseudomonas ADP) and modeling assuming GAC adsorption/desorption mechanism, showed higher atrazine degradation rate resulting in better effluent quality in the biofilm granulated activated carbon (BGAC) reactor. Increased biofilm activity due to the double flux of substrate from the bulk liquid and from the GAC can explain the better performance of the BGAC reactor.