Evaluation of Immobilization of Selected Peat-Isolated Yeast Strains of the Species Candida albicans and Candida subhashii on the Surface of Artificial Support Materials Used for Biotrickling Filtration

Abstract

<jats:p>The paper describes the process of n-butanol abatement by unicellular fungi, able to deplete n-butanol content in gas, by using n-butanol as source of carbon. Isolated and identified fungi species Candida albicans and Candida subhashii were subjected to a viability process via assimilation of carbon from hydrophilic and hydrophobic compounds. The isolates, which exhibited the ability to assimilate carbon, were immobilized on four different types of artificial support materials used for biotrickling filtration. Application of optical microscopy, flow cytometry and the tests employing propidium iodide and annexin V revealed viability of the fungi isolated on support materials’ surfaces at the average level of 95%. The proposed method of immobilization and its evaluation appeared to be effective, cheap and fast. Based on performed comparative analyses, it was shown that polyurethane foam and Bialecki rings (25 × 25) could be attractive support materials in biotrickling filtration.</jats:p>

A state of the art review on the use of fungi in biofiltration to remove volatile hydrophobic pollutants

“…In biotrickling filters, inert beds naturally laking microorganisms and nutrients, are used as packing materials (e.g. polyurethane foam, Pall rings, Rashig rings) (Marycz et al 2020). Therefore, packed bed material inoculation with selected microorganisms is needed in biotrickling filters.…”

“…Adsorption onto the surface of the packing material is often negligible in BTFs due to the inert nature of the bed. Biotrickling filters employ inert beds, which are free of microorganisms and nutrients, for instance polyurethane foam, Pall rings, Rashig rings, expanded clay, ceramic saddles, tri-pack, alginate balls, volcanic rock and perlite (Marycz et al 2020). In this way, it is possible to inoculate them with selected microorganisms.…”