M Zahmatkesh - Bi
F Tabandeh - Department of Industrial and Environmental Biotechnology, National Institute of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (NIGEB), P.O. Box: ۱۴۹۶۵-۱۶۱, Tehran, Iran
S Ebrahimi - Biotechnology Group, Chemical Engineering Faculty, Sahand University of Technology, Tabriz, Iran

Application of a fluidized bed bioreactor working for treatment of colored wastewaters has been studied using Phanerochaete chrysosporium fungus, immobilized on calcium alginate biogel beads for the first time. The operational volume of the bioreactor was 1 L and experiments were performed at 35oC and pH 4. Manganese Peroxidase activity, glucose and ammonium concentrations have been assayed daily along the 7 operating days. Reactive orange 16 was added to the bioreactor at 40 mg/L after 7 days of incubation and the decolorization efficiency was assayed by spectrophotometer for one hour interval. Maximum Manganese peroxidase activity of 96 U/L was detected on day 7, and 70% decolorization achieved after 7 h of dye addition. The results were compared to those obtained by free cells and the role of agitation and immobilization of cells in increasing of the efficiency of decolorization were discussed. The mechanism and morphology of the cell immobilization on ca-alginate beads were investigated and the relationship between glucose and ammonium consumption and ligninolytic activity of fungi discussed.

Fluidized Bed Bioreactor, Azo Dye, Decolorization, Phanerochaete Chrysosporium, Entrapment