Degradation of microcystins by adsorbed bacteria on a granular active carbon (GAC) filter during the water treatment process

J Environ Biol. 2006 May;27(2 Suppl):317-22.

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.

MeSH terms

  • Adsorption
  • Carbon
  • Filtration / instrumentation*
  • Flavobacterium / metabolism*
  • Half-Life
  • Microcystins / metabolism*
  • Pseudomonas / metabolism*

Substances

  • Microcystins
  • Carbon