Biofilm formation on magnetic polystyrene particles

In this study, magnetic polystyrene particles were prepared by using a solv ent evaporation technique. Particles 500-595 a biofilm carrier in a fluidiz ed bed for the biodegradation of an organic carbon source in wastewater. Ac tivated sludge seeds were used as a mixed culture of microorganisms to obta in biofilms on the magnetic polystyrene particles. Fluidized bed experiment s were performed at constant dissolved oxygen concentration, pH and tempera ture. The magnetic particles allowed operation of the column in a magnetic field at high liquid flow rates; hence, external diffusion limitations on b iofilm surfaces were lowered. Biofilm formation on the suspended particles was quite successful and allowed effective removal of the substrate.