Role of heterogeneity of counter-diffusional biofilm on microaeration-assisted for nitrophenol degradation: Metabolic pathways and microbial mechanisms

Key Points

• Degradation of nitrophenol was significantly enhanced in the presence of a counter-diffusional biofilm.
• Microaeration created an optimal environment, leading to a 40% increase in degradation rate.
• Analysis of the metabolic pathways indicated diverse microbial mechanisms at play under variable oxygen conditions.
• This work highlights the importance of biofilm structure on pollutant degradation, suggesting ways to optimize bioremediation strategies.