| dc.description.abstract | The increase in domestic and industrial waste has accompanied the rapid growth of population
and industrial development since the beginning of the 20th century. Speaking of the century, the
correct disposal of urban waste is one of the greatest challenges for humanity in the 21st century,
and with each decade the problem becomes more and more complex. The incorrect disposal of
both liquid and solid waste causes environmental degradation and contamination, thus generating
serious risks to public health and the well-being of the population. In addition, one can think of
adding value to this waste, transforming it into energy, generating jobs, contributing to the
economy, and strengthening the sustainable development of the productive sector. If the
emphasis is given to liquid waste, or industrial effluents, it is immediately revealed that they are
one of the main sources of direct and continuous entry of pollutants in aquatic ecosystems. One
possible treatment process for these effluents is through bioreactors specifically designed to
support a biologically active environment, i.e. where bacteria and protozoa (the biomass) can
grow and consume some (or all) contaminating substances. In this context, the present work
aimed to present, through a literature review, the most recent and relevant contributions on
wastewater treatment and H2 production in biofilm reactors. The forms of wastewater treatment
(physical, chemical, biological) were reviewed and, in particular, the reactors that use the
anaerobic digestion process. The bibliographical research indicated that there is a great diversity
of works that use the most varied substrates for the treatment, clearly showing that this is an area
still under technological development. In general, anaerobic reactors are highly effective in
effluent treatment, producing at the same time a large amount of H2, in an average, according to
studies, of about 80%. | |
