Comparison of biofilm characteristics of different types of carriers for wastewater treatment

Abstract

Enhancing the operational efficiency of wastewater treatment plant can be achieved by increasing the biomass concentration within the reactor volume. For this purpose, the use of immobilized microorganisms on carriers has become progressively prevalent in wastewater biological treatment technologies, aiming to enhance the quality of treated water. The analysis of the characteristics biofilms on spherical, disc-shaped and wheel-shaped on carriers under the same conditions was carried out. All investigated carriers are classified as dispersed, distributed throughout the volume of the air tank. The following characteristics of four biofilm carrier samples were investigated: the concentration of biomass immobilized on the surface of the carrier and the specific biomass per unit area of surface for different types of loading for the treatment of domestic wastewater. It has been determined that the biomass concentration immobilized on the surfaces of four distinct carriers, varying in shape and size, spans from 5425 mg/dm3 to 138 mg/dm3. The study showed that the carriers with a diameter of Ø 9.95 mm had the highest biomass concentration immobilized on the surface, and such carrier can be effectively used in MMBR systems for wastewater treatment, as well as to improve the performance of aeration tanks by upgrading them. The choice of biofilm carrier is a critical factor as it influences the optimal thickness of the biofilm, biomass growth, and the efficiency of various natures pollutants biodegradation.