Biofilms are used in wastewater treatment plants to degrade organic particles. This project investigates the effect of shear forces and surface structure on biofilm formation and detachment in rotating biological contactors. Biofilm formation in a photocatalytic reactor is also studied. Biofilm growth is monitored through measurements of opacity, while its efficiency is measured through ammonium, chemical oxygen demand, total organic carbon, and ion chromatography tests, as well as ultraviolet-visible and fluorescence spectroscopy.

• This report represents the work of one or more WPI undergraduate students submitted to the faculty as evidence of completion of a degree requirement. WPI routinely publishes these reports on its website without editorial or peer review.

Creator

• Rockowitz, Shira Ilana
• Hickman, Julie Marie

Publisher

• Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Identifier

• E-project-042709-100021

Advisor

• Heilman, Destin
• Camesano, Terri Anne

Year

• 2009

Center

• Nancy, France Project Center - MQP

Sponsor

• Marie-Noelle Pons

Date created

• 2009-04-27

Resource type

• Major Qualifying Project

Major

• Biochemistry
• Chemical Engineering

Rights statement

• In Copyright