Abstract
The performance at low water availability of styrene-degrading biofilters with the fungus Exophiala jeanselmei growing on perlite, the inert support, was investigated. E. jeanselmei degrades styrene at a water activity of 0.91–1. In biofilters, the styrene elimination capacity at a water activity of 0.91 is 5% of the maximal elimination capacity of 79 g m-3 h-1 (water activity 1). Application of dry air results in a rapid loss of styrene degradation activity, even at 40%–60% (w/w) water in the filter bed and at a water activity of 1. Humidification of the gas and an additional supply of water to the filter bed are necessary to maintain a high and stable styrene elimination capacity.
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Received: 7 August 1995 / Received revision: 29 January 1996 / Accepted: 5 February 1996
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Cox, H., Magielsen, F., Doddema, H. et al. Influence of the water content and water activity on styrene degradation by Exophiala jeanselmei in biofilters. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 45, 851–856 (1996). https://doi.org/10.1007/s002530050773
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s002530050773