Bio filters/ Biofilteration

A biofilter is a bed of media on which microorganisms attach and grow to form a biological layer.

The layer thus formed is referred as a Bio film.

The biofilm is formed by a community of different microorganisms bacteria, fungi, yeast, macro-organisms like protozoa, worms, insect's larvae, etc.

1. Bio filters Presented by Mohammed Abdul Rahman Mohammed Abdul Lateef Tanzeel ar R ahman

2. What is actually a Bio filter..? A biofilter is a bed of media on which microorganisms attach and grow to form a biological layer. The layer thus formed is referred as a Bio film. The biofilm is formed by a community of different microorganisms bacteria , fungi, yeast , macro-organisms like protozoa , worms, insect's larvae, etc.

3. Bio filters for Control of Air Pollution When applied to air filtration and purification, Biofilters use microorganisms to remove air pollution . The air flows through a packed bed and the pollutant transfers into a thin biofilm on the surface of the packing material. Microorganisms, including bacteria and fungi are immobilized in the biofilm and degrade the pollutant . A biofilter /bio-oxidation system is a fairly simple device to construct and operate and offers a cost-effective solution provided the pollutant is biodegradable within a moderate time frame

4. Advantages Because microrganisms are retained within the biofilm, Bio filtration allows the development of microorganisms with relatively low specific growth rates. Operational costs are usually lower than for activated sludge. Final treatment result is less influenced by biomass separation since the biomass concentration at the effluent is much lower than for suspended biomass processes.

5. Drawbacks Because filtration and growth of biomass leads to an accumulation of matter in the filtering media, this type of fixed-film process is subject to  clogging  and flow channeling . Depending on the type of application and on the media used for microbial growth, clogging can be controlled using physical or chemical methods . Whenever possible, some steps can be implemented using air or water to disrupt the biomaterial and recover flow. Chemicals such as oxidizing (peroxide, ozone) or biocide agents can also be used.

6. Some aspects where Biofilteration is supported are.. For Drinking water For Wastewater For Use in aquaculture

7. For Drinking water For drinking water, biological water treatment involves the use of naturally occurring microorganisms in the surface water to improve water quality . Under optimum conditions, including relatively low turbidity and high oxygen content, the organisms break down material in the water and thus improve water quality . Slow sand filters or carbon filters are used to provide a support on which these microorganisms grow. Elaborating these aspects…

8. For Wastewater B iofiltration is used to treat wastewater from a wide range of sources,with varying organic compositions and concentrations. This process is versatile as it can be adapted to small flows. A biofilter located after a septic tank constitutes a robust process able to sustain the variability observed without compromising the treatment performance .

9. Use in aquaculture The use of biofilters is common in closed  aquaculture systems, such as recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS ). Many designs are used, with different benefits and drawbacks,reducing water exchanges by converting ammonia to nitrate . Ammonia (NH 4 +  and NH 3 ) originates from the brachial excretion from the gills of aquatic animals and from the decomposition of organic matter.

10. Biofilters is emerging as an environmentally sustainable, economically viable and socially acceptable technology. It uses the ability of the beneficial microbes to breakdown organic wastes present in waste water and transform it into simple forms. And a natural way of recycling nutrients and removal of toxins. Why Bio filters

11. Judiciously Use the 5 P's ( P etrol, P ower , P aper, P lastic & P otable Water ) Embrace the 5 R's Rule ( R efuse, R educe, R euse, R ecycle & be R esponsible ) In everyday life about waste