Hybrid Photocatalytic/Biological Reactor for the Treatment of Acetone-Contaminated Gas Streams

High Resolution Image Download MS PowerPoint Slide Atmospheric pollution caused by volatile organic compounds (VOCs), such as acetone, poses a significant environmental challenge because of their toxicity and persistence. This study evaluated a hybrid photocatalytic/biological system for the treatment of acetone-contaminated gas streams, combining a UV-activated graphene oxide photocatalytic reactor with a biofilter packed with plant aerenchyma inoculated with activated sludge. The system operated for 15 weeks under controlled conditions, achieving a maximum removal efficiency of 80% and an overall average efficiency of 60.98%. In silico studies indicated viable microbial metabolic pathways for acetone, and the low binding energy of the fungus Penicillium chrysogenum suggests a complementary role in the degradation of byproducts generated in the photocatalytic stage. The synergistic combination of advanced oxidation and microbial biodegradation enabled an effective pollutant removal. Microbial succession was observed during operation with an increase in fungus tolerance to adverse conditions. These results demonstrate the technical feasibility of the hybrid system for the sustainable treatment of VOC-laden gas emissions and suggest its potential scalability for industrial applications.