Biodegradation of ethers using fatty acid enhanced microbes
AssigneeKinder Morgan Energy Partners, L.P.
InventorsSCOTT TRACEY KILKENNY, WILLIAM THORNTON STRINGFELLOW
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Abstract
Microorganism growth in aqueous systems used for degradation of ether-based compounds such as MTBE is stimulated and maximized by utilizing fatty acids as the growth substrate for the microorganisms. The fatty acid functions as an inexpensive growth substrate that can be introduced into the aqueous system to quickly maximize the growth of the active microbe incorporated therein. Such a characteristic is desirable since fatty acids are non-toxic, water soluble, typically inexpensive and readily available. In one preferred embodiment, the fatty acid is food grade lactate.
Claims19
A growth substrate for microbial biodegradation of ether-based compounds, said growth substrate comprising a fatty acid.
A bioreactor comprising:
- a vessel disposed for flow of a fluid therethrough;
- a fixed film contained within said vessel;
- a microorganism attached to said fixed film;
- and
- a growth substrate contained within said vessel, wherein said growth substrate is comprised of a fatty acid.
A process for the microbial biodegradation of ether-based compounds in an aqueous system, said process comprising the steps of
- a) contacting a microorganism capable of biodegrading the ether-based compound with a fatty acid to promote rapid growth of said microorganism;
- and
- b) contacting said microorganism with an ether-based compound to biodegrade said ether-based compound.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.