Biodegrading Properties of the Microbiocenosis of Iron and Manganese Removal Rapid Filters for Groundwater

Abstract

Background. Determining the composition of the microbiocenosis of iron and manganese removal filters aims to expand the idea of its properties and interactions between its components, which is relevant for finding new filter beds, as well as for choosing combinations of microbiocenosis and optimal filter bed.

Objective. The aim of the work is to study the species composition of the microbiocenosis of rapid filters of iron and manganese removal and to establish the cause of the biodegradable properties of the microbiocenosis of rapid filters.

Methods. The study was performed using the iron and manganese removal filter bed from a pilot well in Khoroshiv, Zhytomyr region. The source water characterizes by high iron (15–25 mg/l) and manganese (2.0–2.3 mg/l) content. To identify microorganisms, cultures were performed on nutrient media.

Results. At the time of the experiment on the 10, 20 and 25th days of the filter cycle in the microbiocenosis about a third were iron- and manganese-oxidizing bacteria. The efficiency of iron removal was quite high and ranged from 87–97%. For manganese, the removal efficiency ranged from 83 to 89%. Pseudomonas bacteria were found in the microbiocenosis and it was determined that they are responsible for enhancing the biodegradable properties of the microbiocenosis due to synergistic interactions with iron- and manganese-oxidizing bacteria.

Conclusions. It has been established that Pseudomonas bacteria must be present in the microbiocenosis for the effective iron and manganese removal process. Pseudomonas bacteria give microbiocenosis biodegradable properties due to synergism.