Decolourisation of cotton bleaching effluent in a continuous fluidized-bed bioreactor using wood rotting fungus

A continuous fluidized-bed bioreactor was developed for the decolourisation of cotton bleaching effluent with a wood rotting fungus. Different initial concentrations of effluent were tested with either glucose or starch as co-substrates. With this system, 75–80% colour removal was achieved with an initial A400 of 4.7, using a 3 day-retention time. It showed high and stable decolourisation activity in long term continuous operation. © Rapid Science Ltd. 1998