Photosynthetic oxygenation was tested in a toluene removal algal-bacterial airlift.
Toluene elimination capacities of 320 g m−3 h−1 were achieved.
Optimum suspended solids of ∼5 g L−1 and dilution rates of 0.45 d−1 were obtained.
Silicone-oil enhanced toluene removal and O2 transfer, buffering toxic metabolites.