4. Conclusions
The results ofthis research indicate the possibility of using a heterogeneous
biocatalyst based encapsulated methylotrophic yeast
Ogataea polymorpha BKM Y-2559 in the sol-gel matrix as a stationary
phase in the column type biofilter for purifying methanol
containing wastewater. Organo-silica shells covering yeast cells
effectively protect them from exposure to harmful factors, including
extreme values of pH. Designed heterogeneous biocatalyst
can effectively oxidize methyl alcohol under strongly alkaline or
strongly acidic conditions. The productivity ofthe biofilter based on
encapsulated yeast cells is three times higher than the productivity
of the aeration tanks at the methanol production plants. Furthermore,
the use of methylotrophic yeast as a biocatalyst allows for
methanol containing wastewater purification with methyl alcohol
concentration up to 30 mmol/dm3. This may lead to the development
of new and effective industrial wastewater treatment
technologies.