Batch and continuous biodegradation of three model naphthenic acids in a circulating packed-bed bioreactor

► Utilizingcirculating packed-bed bioreactor for naphthenic acid (NA) biodegradation. ► Biodegradation of three model NAs individually and in mixture. ► Verifying impacts of molecular structure on biodegradation. ► Verifying NA concentration and loading rate impacts on bioreactor performance. ► Achieving biodegradation rates significantly higher than literature values.