Abstract
Bio-filtration processes using honeycomb tubes (process 1) and aeration and manganese-sand filtration (process 2) were evaluated for the biological manganese removal efficiency. The concentration of manganese at effluent was stabilized after 20days operation in process 1. It was estimated the required time for attaching and growing microorganisms to honeycomb tubes. In long term of operation periods, manganese removal efficiency was dropped for the excessively attached biofilm and manganese dioxide to honeycomb tubes. It took several days for normal operation in process 2, after that manganese removal efficiency was increased to 98% and stabilized for 1.5 years. Microorganisms in process 1 and 2 were isolated and cultured to characterize manganese-oxidizing bacteria. Among the four types of colony, light brown colony was turned blue color by leuco crystal violet spot test. Stenotropomonas genus, known as manganese-oxidizing bacteria, was identified by 16S rDNA partial sequencing analysis which was isolated in process 1 and 2. For the biological treatment to remove manganese, these two considerations are important. One is to choose the proper media attaching manganese oxidant, another one is to define the cultural condition of isolated manganese-oxidizing bacteria.
