A new generation of two-liquid phase bioreactors for methane removal

Sara will be working on the abatement of CH4, one of the most harmful greenhouse gasses, with a new generation of two-liquid phase bioreactors (TLPBs). Conventional TLPBs are based on the addition of a non-aqueous phase (e.g. silicone oil) with a high affinity for the target pollutant. However, improved TLPB performance can be achieved by using hydrophobic microorganisms able to grow in the non-aqueous phase, taking advantage of the full concentration gradient available for mass transfer between the gas and the non-aqueous phase.