Wastewater treatment devices, systems, and methods

Abstract

Devices, systems, and methods for combined multi-process treatment of wastewater, waste gas streams, or a gas flow that includes hydrogen gas. A water treatment device includes a hollow fiber membrane with an exterior biofilm coating that includes a first microorganism for a first process that utilizes a gas that diffuses from an interior of the membrane. The membrane is disposed within a bulk liquid that includes a hydrogel bead that carries a second microorganism for a second process. The second process can utilize a product of the first process. The first process can include an anaerobic process, such as biomethanization, or an aerobic process, such as nitrification. An aerobic first process causes a decreasing oxygen gradient in the bulk liquid that allows for an anaerobic process, such as denitrification, for the second process. The disclosure provides continuous-flow bioreactors that provide distinct niches for microorganisms that have different culture requirements.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.