A
biological oxidizer is a device that uses
micro-organisms to treat
wastewater and the
volatile organic compounds produced by commercial and industrial operations. Biological oxidation devices convert
biodegradable organic compounds into
carbon dioxide and
water. This is a natural occurring process which differs from traditional
chemical and
thermal oxidizing agents and methods. Some of the more commonly used micro-organisms are
heterotrophic bacteria, which play an important role in biological degradation processes. Generally, these micro-organisms are rod shaped and
facultative. Biological oxidizers provide a stable environment which allows bacteria to naturally oxidize and stabilize a large number of organics in a more efficient manner. Some of the emissions that may be treated biologically include: