Biotechnologies used in wastewater treatment

Abstract

One of the most efficient biological wastewater treatment process is based on the biofilm carriers' utilization, on which the microorganisms attaches to form biofilm communities. The biological technology that uses artificial mobile supports is known as the Moving Bed Biofilm Reactor (MBBR) process. To have an efficient attachment of the biomass on the carriers, hydrophilic substrates are needed. To promote biofilm formation and development, the chemical nature of the biofilm carriers should be carefully selected. Most of the biofilm carriers are made from polyethylene. This material has hydrophobic properties. The authors propose a new material with more hydrophilic properties. Talcum is combined with polyethylene resulting a more hydrophilic material. The results regarding the biofilm adhesion on the new material are presented by the authors. Also, the paper presents a laboratory installation for wastewater treatment, on which can be compared different biological treatment processes.