Methane degradation in two-phase partition bioreactors

Biological degradation of methane by an adapted consortium in steady state was compared in two reactor configurations (stirred tank, STR and trickling bed, TBR) with and without 10% (v/v) silicone oil. Silicone oil addition increased the methane average volumetric elimination capacity by 41% in STR up to 106 g m−3 h−1 and by 131% in TBR up to 51 g m−3 h−1. Specific elimination capacities showed higher degradation (69% in STR and 98% in TBR) suggesting increased bioavailability. The elimination capacities obtained in both reactors with oil addition exceed most of experimental reports for methane biofiltration.