Abstract

ESQUIVEL-VIVEROS, A. et al. Biodegradation of [bmim][PF₆] using Fusarium sp. Rev. Mex. Ing. Quím [online]. 2009, vol.8, n.2, pp.163-168. ISSN 1665-2738.

The increased use of ionic liquids in industry has led to the study of their biodegradability and toxicity to prevent contamination of the environment by these synthetic compounds. A Fusarium strain was isolated and tested for its ability to tolerate and grow in the presence of [bmim] [PF₆], a potential contaminant of wastewaters. The Fusarium strain was able to grow in both surface and submerged liquid media using [bmim] [PF₆] as the sole carbon source up to 19 and 21 g [bmim] [PF₆] L^-1, respectively. A membrane-aerated biofilm reactor was used for biodegradation studies of synthetic wastewaters. Up to 80% biodegradation was observed after 28 days of incubation at 30 °C. This is the first time that [bmim][PF₆] has been subjected to fungal biodegradation.

Keywords : ionic liquids; [bmim],[PF₆] biodegradation; Fusarium; membrane-aerated biofilm reactor.

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