Abstract: Provided are apparatuses and processes for the removal and purification of fermentation prepared one or more volatile organic compounds. The apparatuses comprise a fermentor unit, a vacuum side stripper unit (10), and, optionally, one or more of a pressure-swing adsorption unit, a dual-function column, a dividing wall distillation column unit, and a means for inducing phase separation of a mixture of a volatile organic compound and water.