Xenobiotic degradation in a partitioning bioreactor in which the partitioning phase is a polymer

摘要

The present invention provides a process for the biodegradation of at least one xenobiotic. The process includes the steps of providing a bioreactor with an aqueous phase comprising water and at least one microorganism that is capable of metabolizing the xenobiotic and degradation products of the xenobiotic. The bioreactor is then provided with an organic phase comprising a solid or liquid polymer having an affinity for the xenobiotic and the xenobiotic is added to the bioreactor. The polymer is operable to absorb portions of the xenobiotic so that the aqueous concentration of the xenobiotic is substantially non-toxic to the microorganisms. The microorganisms degrade the xenobiotic in the aqueous phase causing the xenobiotic in the solid or liquid polymer to diffuse into the aqueous phase for degradation by the microorganisms.