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Degradation of microcystins by adsorbed bacteria on a granular active carbon (GAC) filter during the water treatment
You-Jung Lee1, Jong-Mun Jung, Min-Ho Jang
1Busan Water Quality Research Institute, Waterworks HQ, Busan, 617-042, South Korea.
Abstract:
The degradation of microcystin by adsorbed bacteria on GAC (granular active carbon) filter from a water treatment facility was investigated. Dominant bacteria isolated from GAC were indigenous microorganisms, Psuedomonas sp. and Flavobacterium sp. The direct exposure of dominant GAC bacteria to microcystins resulted in a significant reduction of microcystin levels in both shaking and static conditions (t-test; p < 0.01). In bacteria-treatments, the half-life of microcystin was 2.6-3.5 days in both conditions. Based on this result, approximately 9-10 days would be estimated for 90% or up to 18-21 days of 99% of toxin to be degraded. This biological degradation by the GAC bacteria in combination with existing purification systems has potential to increase the efficiency of water purification.
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