It has been shown that thermophilic aerobic system is
a potential alternative for anaerobically digested POME treatment,
where satisfactory chemical oxygen demand (COD) and biochemical
oxygen demand (BOD) removal efficiencies of 72–80% and
76–80%, respectively, were achieved [1]. Additionally, thermophilic
aerobic treatment has been proven to remediate industrial effluents
from pulp and paper industry, cosmetics industry, textile industry,
fermentation industry and organic chemical industry [2–8].
Unfortunately, the use of these thermophilic biological systems is
hindered by poor biodegradation capability and settling characteristics
due to the dispersed growth of microorganisms [4,9–11].