Upgrading of waterworks with a new biooxidation process for removal of manganese and iron

Abstract

The paper describes how waterworks can be upgraded by the use of microbiologically unit operations to make it possible to remove manganese from groundwater and surface water. Pilot plant studies and full-scale plant studies show that conventional oxidants as permanganate may be replaced by biooxidation thus reducing the use of chemicals in water treatment. Water containing high amounts of Fe and/or Mn and organic matter may be difficult to treat and pilot plant studies are therefore recommended. This study shows that one ground waterworks and one surface waterworks succed in removing manganese where previous treatment with permangante had failed.