Novel magnetic non-aqueous phase liquid with superior recyclability for efficient and sustainable removal of gaseous n-hexane using two-phase partitioning bioreactor

Two-phase partitioning biotechnology has been recognized as effective alternative in enhancing the purification of hydrophobic waste-gas. However, current available non-aqueous phases (NAPs) are either difficult to be recovered or exhibit low affinity for hydrophobic pollutants, causing secondary pollution, high operating costs, or limited removal efficiency. Herein, nano silicon oil-based ferrofluid (SOF), featured with high pollutants affinity and magnetism, was synthesized and employed as an innovative NAP liquid in airlift reactors for gaseous nhexane removal. The removal efficiency of n-hexane (540 mg m(-3)) reached about 90.0% during 90-day operation, and the used SOF could be quickly recovered via magnetism with a high ratio of 95.6%. Mechanism analysis found, the microbial cell surface hydrophobicity was sustainably improved under the induction of SOF, allowing abundant bacteria adhered on SOF-water interface, thereby enhancing the n-hexane mass transfer directly from SOF to microorganisms. Furthermore, the microbial activity was accelerated, and potential nhexane-degrading functional microorganisms might be domesticated.