| Summary: | The effect of different gas retention times (GRTs) on the efficiency of formaldehyde (FA) removal has been studied using a bio-trickling filter reactor (BTFR) for obtaining the optimal operating conditions. Mathematical models to determine the optimum process conditions of the BTFR system for FA removal from contaminated air are developed. Approximately 66% of the FA introduced into the BTFR treatment process dissolved in the nutrient solution, and about 34% of the residual FA was still present in the air. The predominant bacteria on the surface of supporting materials are identified as the five bacterial colonies Salmonella bongori, Salmonella choleraesuis subsp. arizonae, Salmonella typhimurium, Serratia entomophila and Serratia ficaria, and they have the ability to metabolise FA from two-phases (gas and liquid), as a source of carbon and energy. The optimum removal efficiencies of 450 mg FA L−1 of contaminated air ranged from 95 to 99% are verified for GRTs ranging from 100 to 150 s. Exponential models are proposed as a new approach for determining the optimal operating conditions of the BTFR system and can make significant contributions to improving the air quality
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