Bioreactors for azo-dye conversion

Abstract

The chapter embodies two sections. In the first section a survey of the state-of-art of azo-dye conversion by means of bacteria is presented, with a focus on reactor design and operational issues. The relevance of thorough characterization of reaction kinetics and yields is discussed. The second section is focused on recent results regarding the conversion of an azo-dye by means of bacterial biofilm in an internal loop airlift reactor. Experimental results are analyzed in the light of a comprehensive reactor model. Key issues, research needs and priorities regarding bioprocess development for azo-dye conversion are discussed