Removal of 2-methylisoborneol (MIB) by sludge derived from an aquaculture system was examined. MIB removal in the sludge was driven by combined adsorption and biodegradation. Biodegradation of MIB enabled regeneration of the adsorption sites within sludge. A model was developed which accurately described MIB removal by the sludge. At steady state operation of the reactors, MIB removal was mainly driven by biodegradation.