Article ID Journal Published Year Pages File Type
14774 Biotechnology Advances 2008 13 Pages PDF
Abstract

There is nowadays no single fully satisfactory method for VOC removal from indoor air due to the difficulties linked to the very low concentration (μg m− 3 range), diversity, and variability at which VOCs are typically found in the indoor environment. Although biological methods have shown a certain potential for this purpose, the specific characteristic of indoor air and the indoor air environment brings numerous challenges. In particular, new methods must be developed to inoculate, express, and maintain a suitable and diverse catabolic ability under conditions of trace substrate concentration which might not sustain microbial growth. In addition, the biological treatment of indoor air must be able to purify large amounts of air in confined environments with minimal nuisances and release of microorganisms. This requires technical innovations, the development of specific testing protocols and a deep understanding of microbial activities and the mechanisms of substrate uptake at trace concentrations.

Related Topics
Physical Sciences and Engineering Chemical Engineering Bioengineering
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