Distribution and genetic diversity of microbial populations in the pilot-scale biofilter for simultaneous removal of ammonia, iron and manganese from real groundwater

Performances of full-scale biological nitrogen pre-treatment process for drinking water source: Seasonal variations and microbial community

This study investigated the performance of the full-scale unit over a two-year period to enhance nitrification efficiency and provide operational strategies. Results indicated that raw water quality from Donggan River was notably influenced by seasonal variations, particularly during dry and wet seasons, impacting the nitrification efficiency of the biological pretreatment process. Factors such as influent concentrations of ammonia and total Kjeldahl nitrogen were found to have significant effects on nitrification, with temperature and conductivity also showing correlations. The specific rate of ammonia removal was calculated to be approximately 0.1 kg-N/m3/d under the existing operational setup. Moreover, elevating dissolved oxygen levels above 4 mg/L was proposed to potentially boost ammonia oxidation based on findings from experiments conducted in lab-scale bioreactors. In times of increased influent ammonia levels, the elimination of about 1-3 mg-N/L of total nitrogen signified the activation of denitrification processes. This observation was corroborated by results from next-generation sequencing techniques, verifying the existence of denitrifying microorganisms. The real-time PCR analysis results indicated that the abundance of comammox amoA gene was comparable with the abundance of the AOB amoA gene, indicating the presence of comammox Nitrospira and their potential role on nitrification in the system.

Characteristic and mechanism of biological nitrogen and phosphorus removal facilitated by biogenic manganese oxides (BioMnOx) at various concentrations of Mn(II)

Biogenic manganese oxides (BioMnOx) have attracted considerable attention as active oxidants, adsorbents, and catalysts. However, characteristics and mechanisms of nitrification-denitrification in biological redox reactions mediated by different concentrations of BioMnOx are still unclear. Fate of nutrients (e.g., NH4+-N, TP, NO3--N) and COD were investigated through different concentrations of BioMnOx produced by Mn(II) in the moving bed biofilm reactor (MBBR). 34% and 89.2%, 37.8% and 89.8%, 57.3% and 88.9%, and 62.1% and 90.4% of TN and COD by MBBR were synchronously removed in four phases, respectively. The result suggested that Mn(II) significantly improved the performance of simultaneous nitrification and denitrification (SND) and TP removal based on manganese (Mn) redox cycling. Characteristics of glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), reactive oxygen species (ROS), and electron transfer system activity (ETSA) were discussed, demonstrating that ROS accumulation reduced the ETSA and GSH-Px activities when Mn(II) concentration increased. Extracellular polymeric substance (EPS) function and metabolic pathway of Mn(II) were explored. Furthermore, effect of cellular components on denitrification was evaluated including BioMnOx performances, indicating that Mn(II) promoted the non-enzymatic action of cell fragments. Finally, mechanism of nitrification and denitrification, denitrifying phosphorus and Mn removal was further elucidated through X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), high throughput sequencing, and fourier transform infrared reflection (FTIR). This results can bringing new vision for controlling nutrient pollution in redox process of Mn(II).

Depth profiles of biological aerated contactors: Characterizing microbial activity treating reduced contaminants

The biological treatment process consisting of an aerated contactor and filter is effective for groundwaters containing elevated ammonia and other reduced contaminants, including iron, manganese, arsenic, and methane. Depth profiles characterizing microbial activity across aerated contactors are lacking. A 1-year pilot study comparing gravel- and ceramic-packed contactors was conducted, and media depth profile samples were collected at the conclusion of the study. Media and water samples also were collected from pilot-scale aerated contactors at 4 other water systems. Water quality, media surface metals concentrations, and a suite of biofilm parameters were analyzed. Media surface metals concentrations were greatest at the influent end. ATP concentrations, extracellular polymeric substances, and extracellular enzyme activities tended to be similar across depth. Bacteria and functional genes involved in contaminant oxidation co-occurred and tended to decrease across depth, but were not correlated to the media metals concentration. Microbial community composition changed with depth, and the diversity either decreased or remained similar. The microbial activity profiles through aerated contactors differed from what is typically reported for groundwater biofilters, suggesting that the different reactor flow and dissolved oxygen profiles impacted the microbial community.

Betaproteobacteria are a key component of surface water biofilters that maintain sustained manganese removal in response to fluctuations in influent water temperature

The health risks associated with manganese (Mn) in drinking water, and an improved understanding of Mn accumulation within, and subsequent release from, distribution systems, have increased the need for robust, sustainable treatment options to minimize Mn concentrations in finished water. Biofiltration is an established and effective method to remove Mn in groundwater however, Mn removal in surface water biofilters is an emerging treatment process that has not been extensively studied. Seasonal variations in water temperature can present an operational challenge for surface water biofilters which may see reduced Mn removal under colder conditions. This study examined the microbiomes of surface water biofilters at three utilities (ACWD WTP, WTP B, and WTP D) which all experienced similar seasonal fluctuations in influent water temperature. High Mn removal was observed at the ACWD WTP for much of the year, but Mn removal decreased with a concurrent decrease in the influent water temperature (58% ± 22%). In contrast, both WTP B and WTP D achieved year-round Mn removal (84% ± 5% and 93% ± 8% respectively). Marker gene (16S rRNA) sequencing analysis of the biofilter microbiomes identified a high abundance of Betaproteobacteria in WTP B and WTP D (37% ± 12% and 21% ± 3% respectively), but a low abundance of Betaproteobacteria in the ACWD WTP (2% ± 2%). The microbiomes of new bench-scale biofilters, in operation at the ACWD WTP, were also investigated. The abundance of Betaproteobacteria was significantly greater (p < 0.05) after the biofilters had acclimated than before acclimation, and differential abundance analysis identified 6 genera within the Betaproteobacteria class were enriched in the acclimated microbiome. Additionally, the acclimated biofilters were able to maintain high Mn removal performance (87% ± 10%) when the influent water temperature decreased to 10 °C or less. Further analysis of previously published studies found the abundance of Betaproteobacteria was also significantly greater (p < 0.001) in biofilters with sustained Mn removal than in biofilters which did not treat for Mn as a contaminant, despite differences in design scale, source water, and media type. Microbiome network analysis identified multiple co-occurrence relationships between Betaproteobacteria and Mn oxidizing bacteria in the WTP B and WTP D biofilters, suggesting indirect contributions by Betaproteobacteria to biological Mn oxidation. These co-occurrence relationships were not present in the full-scale ACWD WTP microbiome. Whether the role of Betaproteobacteria in biological Mn oxidation is direct, indirect, or a combination of both, they are consistently present at a high abundance in both groundwater and surface water biofilters with sustained Mn removal, and their absence may contribute to the seasonal fluctuations in Mn removal observed at the ACWD WTP. This new insight to Betaproteobacteria and their role in Mn biofiltration could contribute to water innovation and design that would improve the reliability of Mn removal.

Technological modeling of physicochemical removal of iron from deep groundwater

In view of the significant difficulties arising in controlling the operation of the rapid iron removal filters on the basis of full exhaustion of their clarifying resource at every calculation stage (filter run), it is suggested to realize a simple control algorithm, which assumes an equal duration of filter runs during the entire service life of one filtering material change. Since the efficiency of physicochemical iron removal depends significantly on the specified duration, in order to establish its optimal value in every given case it is necessary to perform a special technical and economic analysis with a detailed consideration of the composition and degree of contamination of natural water. In the working conditions considered above, which are typical for physicochemical iron removal from deep groundwater in Ukraine, such a value was 600 conventional units, which corresponds to 48 h. The cost of the treatment increases significantly even with a small deviation of the filter run duration from the optimal value.

Mobilization pilot test of PCE sources in the transition zone to aquitards by combining mZVI and biostimulation with lactic acid

The potential toxic and carcinogenic effects of chlorinated solvents in groundwater on human health and aquatic ecosystems require very effective remediation strategies of contaminated groundwater to achieve the low legal cleanup targets required. The transition zones between aquifers and bottom aquitards occur mainly in prograding alluvial fan geological contexts. Hence, they are very frequent from a hydrogeological point of view. The transition zone consists of numerous thin layers of fine to coarse-grained clastic fragments (e.g., medium sands and gravels), which alternate with fine-grained materials (clays and silts). When the transition zones are affected by DNAPL spills, free-phase pools accumulate on the less conductive layers. Owing to the low overall conductivity of this zone, the pools are very recalcitrant. Little field research has been done on transition zone remediation techniques. Injection of iron microparticles has the disadvantage of the limited accessibility of this reagent to reach the entire source of contamination. Biostimulation of indigenous microorganisms in the medium has the disadvantage that few of the microorganisms are capable of complete biodegradation to total mineralization of the parent contaminant and metabolites. A field pilot test was conducted at a site where a transition zone existed in which DNAPL pools of PCE had accumulated. In particular, the interface with the bottom aquitard was where PCE concentrations were the highest. In this pilot test, a combined strategy using ZVI in microparticles and biostimulation with lactate in the form of lactic acid was conducted. Throughout the test it was found that the interdependence of the coupled biotic and abiotic processes generated synergies between these processes. This resulted in a greater degradation of the PCE and its transformation products. With the combination of the two techniques, the mobilization of the contaminant source of PCE was extremely effective.

Efficient utilization of biogenic manganese oxides in bioaugmentation columns for remediation of thallium(I) contaminated groundwater

Little attention has been paid to the in situ-generated biogenic manganese oxides (BMnOx) for practical implementation in continuous groundwater remediation systems. The enrichment effects of manganese oxidizing bacteria (MOB) in bioaugmentation columns and the in situ-generated BMnOx for continuous thallium(I) (Tl(I)) removal from groundwater were investigated. Results indicated that Pseudomonas Putida MnB1 (strain MnB1) attached on the groundwater sediments (GS) can achieve a maximum of 97.37 % Mn(II) oxidation and generate 29.6 mg/L BMnOx, which was superior than that of traditional quartz sand (QS). The in situ-generated BMnOx in MOB_GS column effectively removed 10-100 μg/L Tl(I) under the interference of high concentrations of Fe(II) and Mn(II) in groundwater. Distinctive microbial enrichment effects occurred in the bioaugmentation columns under the competition of indigenous microbes in groundwater. The release of Mn(II) from the BMnOx inhibited with the decrease in Tl(I) removal efficiency. XAFS analysis revealed Tl(I) was effectively adsorbed by BMnOx and Mn-O octahedra with Tl-O tetrahedral coordination existed in BMnOx. This study provides an in-depth understanding of the in situ-generated BMnOx for the Tl(I) removal and contributes to the application of BMnOx in groundwater remediation.

Advanced synergetic nitrogen removal of municipal wastewater using oxidation products of refractory organic matters in secondary effluent by biogenic manganese oxides as carbon source

Due to the high operational cost and secondary pollution of the conventional advanced nitrogen removal of municipal wastewater, a novel concept and technique of advanced synergetic nitrogen removal of partial-denitrification anammox and denitrification was proposed, which used the oxidation products of refractory organic matters in the secondary effluent of municipal wastewater treatment plant (MWWTP) by biogenic manganese oxides (BMOs) as carbon source. When the influent NH₄⁺-N in the denitrifying filter was about 1.0, 2.0, 3.0, 4.0, 5.0 and 7.0 mg/L, total nitrogen (TN) in the effluent decreased from about 22 mg/L to 11.00, 7.85, 6.85, 5.20, 4.15 and 2.09 mg/L, and the corresponding removal rate was 49.15, 64.82, 69.40, 76.70, 81.36 and 90.58%, respectively. The proportional contribution of the partial-denitrification anammox pathway to the TN removal was 12.00, 26.45, 39.70, 46.04, 54.97 and 64.01%, and the actual COD_cr consumption of removing 1 mg TN was 0.75, 1.43, 1.26, 1.17, 1.08 and 0.99 mg, respectively, which was much lower than the theoretical COD_cr consumption of denitrification. Furthermore, COD_cr in the effluent decreased to 8.12 mg/L with a removal rate of 72.40%, and the removed organic matters were mainly non-fluorescent organic matters. Kinds of denitrifying bacteria, anammox bacteria, hydrolytic bacteria and manganese oxidizing bacteria (MnOB) were identified in the denitrifying filter, which demonstrated that the advanced synergetic nitrogen removal was achieved. This novel technology presented the advantages of high efficiency of TN and COD_cr removal, low operational cost and no secondary pollution.

Advanced nitrogen removal performance and microbial community structure of a lab-scale denitrifying filter with in-situ formation of biogenic manganese oxides

Advanced nitrogen removal faces the challenges of high operational cost resulted from the additional carbon source and secondary pollution caused by inaccurate carbon source dosage in municipal wastewater. To address these problems, a novel carbon source was developed, which was the oxidation products of refractory organic matters in the secondary effluent of municipal wastewater treatment plant (MWWTP) by in-situ generated biogenic manganese oxides (BMOs) in the denitrifying filter. In the steady phase, the effluent chemical oxygen demand (COD_cr), NO₃^--N and total nitrogen (TN) in the denitrifying filter 2^# with BMOs was 11.27, 9.03 and 10.36 mg/L, and the corresponding removal efficiency was 54.79%, 51.85% and 48.03%, respectively, which was significantly higher than those in the control denitrifying filter 1^# that the removal efficiency of COD_cr, NO₃^--N and TN was only 32.30%, 28.58% and 29.36%, respectively. Kinds of denitrifying bacteria (Candidatus Competibacter, Defluviicoccus, Dechloromonas, Candidatus Competibacter, Dechloromonas, Pseudomonas, Thauera, Acinetobacter, Denitratisoma, Anaerolineae and Denitratisoma) and anammox bacteria (Pirellula, Gemmata, Anammoximicrobium and Brocadia) were identified in the denitrifying filters 1^# and 2^#, which explained why the actual COD_cr consumption (1.55 and 1.44 mg) of reducing 1 mg NO₃^--N was much lower than the theoretical COD_cr consumption. While manganese oxidizing bacteria (MnOB, Bacillus, Crenothrix and Pedomicrobium) was only identified in the denitrifying filter 2^#. This novel technology presented the advantages of no additional carbon source, low operational cost and no secondary pollution. Therefore, the novel technology has superlative application value and broad application prospect.

Interaction among biofilter microbiome, fecal metabolome and water quality and regulation of sewage discharge in the recirculating aquaculture system of Apostichopus japonicus

With the aggravation of environmental pollution caused by traditional culture of Apostichopus japonicus, the concept of A. japonicus recirculating aquaculture system (RAS) came into being. To plan the sewage discharge time reasonably, we explored the temporal variation of water quality, biofilter microbe and fecal metabolome in RAS and relevant mechanism. The results showed that monitored water quality in RAS were within the safe living range of A. japonicus. Proteobacteria and Desulfobacterota were dominant bacteria in biofilter. The RDA results and correlation heatmap showed that NH₄-N and NO₂-N significantly affected the microbial community composition. The expression pattern of fecal metabolites changed with the passage of time after feeding. And ROC curve analysis and VIP bar chart showed that there were inter group biomarkers with predictive performance, which could help to remind timely sewage discharge. Topological analysis of KEGG pathway enrichment showed that metabolic pathways such as alanine, aspartate and glutamate metabolism changed significantly after feeding (P < 0.01). Additionally, the correlation analysis results showed that biofilter microbe and fecal metabolites were related to water quality (P < 0.05). Combined with the above research results, this study concluded that the RAS could discharge sewage 25-30 h after feeding. These findings were of direct significance to the management of RAS environment and the protection of A. japonicus healthy growth.

Coupled mixotrophic denitrification and utilization of refractory organics driven by Mn redox circulation for significantly enhanced nitrogen removal

Coupled mixotrophic denitrification and degradation of organics driven by redox transition of Mn for nitrogen removal has attracted much attention. Herein, this study explored the removal performance and mechanisms for nitrogen and refractory organics from secondary effluent in up-flow MnOx biofilter. Results showed that the removal of organics and nitrate was significantly enhanced by the synergistic process of heterotrophic denitrification and Mn(II)-driven autotrophic denitrification (MnAD), which were originated from the facilitation of Mn circulation. But nitrate removal was closely related to the types of carbon source and Mn(II) concentration. Single small molecular carbon source (glucose) performed better than mixed carbon source (humic acid and glucose) in nitrate removal process (74.8% in stage 1-2 vs. 54.1% in stage 3-5). And raising external Mn(II) concentration increased the contribution of MnAD (60.2% in stage 5 vs. 46.5% in stage 3) to nitrate removal. Furthermore, the relationship between Mn/N transformation and microbial community structure shifts revealed that the redox transition between Mn(II) and Mn(IV) promoted the enrichment of denitrogenation bacteria and functional genes, thus contributing to pollutants removal. Our studies expand the knowledge of MnOx-mediated pollutants removal processes and support the potential application of MnOx for removal of residual refractory organics and nitrogen.

A review: Manganese-driven bioprocess for simultaneous removal of nitrogen and organic contaminants from polluted waters

Water pollutants, such as nitrate and organics have received much attention for their harms to ecological environment and human health. The redox transformation between Mn(Ⅱ) and Mn(Ⅳ) for nitrogen and organics removal have been recognized for a long time. Mn(Ⅱ) can act as inorganic electron donor to drive autotrophic denitrification so as to realize simultaneous removal of Mn(Ⅱ), nitrate and organic pollutants. Mn oxides (MnOx) also play an important role in the adsorption and degradation of some organic contaminants and they can change or create new oxidation pathways in the nitrogen cycle. Herein, this paper provides a comprehensive review of nitrogen and organic contaminants removal pathways through applying Mn(Ⅱ) or MnOx as forerunners. The main current knowledge, developments and applications, pollutants removal efficiency, as well as microbiology and biochemistry mechanisms are summarized. Also reviewed the effects of factors such as the carbon source, the environmental factors and operation conditions have on the process. Research gaps and application potential are further proposed and discussed. Overall, Mn-based biotechnology towards advanced wastewater treatment has a promising prospect, which can achieve simultaneous removal of nitrogen and organic contaminants, and minimize sludge production.

The Simultaneous Removal of Ammonium and Manganese from Surface Water in South China by Manganese Co-Oxide Film

Exceeding the permitted manganese (Mn²⁺) and ammonium (NH₄⁺-N) levels is a frequent seasonal occurrence in a water treatment plant in south China. An iron Fe-Mn complex oxide film was found capable of removing more than 95% of Mn²⁺ and NH₄⁺-N at a water temperature of 20 °C and an alkalinity level of 30 mg/L. It could remove up to 5.5 mg/L of Mn²⁺ and up to 3.5 mg/L of NH₄⁺-N in a stable manner. Alkalinity is a crucial factor in the removal process. The morphology, elemental composition, and micro-structure of the oxide film were investigated using a scanning electron microscope, an energy-dispersive spectrometer, a Brunauer-Emmett-Teller specific surface-area analyzer, an X-ray diffractometer, and a Fourier-transform infrared spectrometer. The capacity of the Fe-Mn complex oxide film on the surface of the filter medium increased appreciably as its content and specific surface area increased. This research, which provides a theoretical basis for simultaneous manganese and NH₄⁺-N removal by catalytic oxidation, demonstrates an engineering reference value.

Improved performance of an opposite-flow low-pressure ultrafiltration membrane system in the treatment of groundwater containing Fe2+, Mn2+, and NH4. CHEMOSPHERE 2022;302:134846. [PMID: 35526683 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.134846]

In remote areas, low-pressure ultrafiltration membrane (LPM) systems can be applied in decentralized water supplies for the treatment of groundwater containing Fe²⁺, Mn²⁺, and NH₄⁺. However, improving the performance of the LPM systems, such as the stable flux and removal capacity, presents a challenge. In this study, a novel opposite-flow low-pressure ultrafiltration membrane (O-LPM) system was applied, and its performance was evaluated. Experimental results showed that after 46 days of operation, the steady flux of the O-LPM systems were 1.87-fold and 1.74-fold higher than that of the conventional D-LPM systems under Mn²⁺ concentration of 0.3 mg L^-1 and 1.5 mg L^-1, respectively. With a mixed pollutant system containing Fe²⁺ (0.5 mg L^-1), Mn²⁺ (0.3 mg L^-1), and NH₄⁺ (1.0 mg L^-1), the O-LPM-ripening period for Mn²⁺ removal was shortened from 16 days to 8 days, and the NH₄⁺ removal efficiency was increased from 61.46% to 80.97%. The bio-cake layer in the O-LPM systems was thinner and had a higher uniformity than in the D-LPM systems, resulting in a larger stable flux range. The relative abundance of functional bacteria (MnOB, IOB, and NOB) was generally higher in O-LPM systems than in the D-LPM systems. Overall, these results are of high relevance for groundwater treatment in remote areas, providing guidance for the widespread application of the O-LPM system in decentralized water supplies.

Black blooms-induced adaptive responses of sulfate reduction bacteria in a shallow freshwater lake

Decomposing cyanobacterial bloom-induced black blooms been seen as an issue in the management of freshwater ecosystems, but its effect on sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB) in shallow freshwater lakes is not clear. The objective of this study is to present an in-depth investigation of black bloom effects on the activities and composition of SRB, as well as the interactions between SRB and other bacteria. Water and surface sediments samples were collected from a shallow freshwater lake during black and non-black blooms. Sulfate reduction rates (SRRs) in the water column were determined from the linear regression of sulfate depletion with time. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reactions (qPCRs), targeting the dsrA gene and Illumina sequencing of 16S rDNA, were used to estimate the SRB population and SRB community structures, respectively. Our data indicate that although a higher abundance of SRB was responsible for the higher SRR in the bottom water (34.09 ± 2.37 nmol mL^-1 day^-1) than in the surface water (14.57 ± 2.91 nmol mL^-1 day^-1) during black blooms, cell-specific sulfate reduction rates (csSRRs) in the distinct water layers were not significantly different (P = 0.95), with the value of approximately 0.017 fmol cell^-1 day^-1. Additionally, Desulfomicrobium and Desulfovibrio were the two main genera of SRB in the water column during black bloom season, while Desulfobulbus, Desulfobacca and Desulfatiglans genera were identified in the sediments of both the black and non-black blooms in genera pools. Each SRB genus preferentially associated with bacteria for specific functions in the bacterial co-occurrence network, regardless of whether black booms occurred or not. These results extend our knowledge on the importance of SRB during black blooms and the adaptation of SRB to environmental changes in freshwater lakes.

Synergistic effects of prokaryotes and oxidants in rapid sand filters treatment of groundwater versus surface water: Purification efficacy, stability and associated mechanisms

Effective elimination of manganese (Mn) and ammonium (NH₄⁺-N) from drinking water is still challenging. Utilizing oxidants to improve the simultaneous removals of Mn and NH₄⁺-N from rapid sand filter (RSF) systems has been extensively studied. However, the prokaryotes containing in the water geochemical properties greatly affected the RSF performance. In this study, groundwater and micro-polluted surface water were used to compare with/without potassium permanganate (KMnO₄) assistant on the contaminants removals and system stability. Results showed that KMnO₄ reduced the start-up period of RSF for treating groundwater and surface water to 20 and 41 days, respectively, with excellent Mn removal rates (>97%). The relative abundance of efficient ammonia-oxidizing bacteria (Nitrospira) in RSF treated groundwater without KMnO₄ was higher than that in RSFs treated micro-polluted surface water or with KMnO₄, resulting in a higher NH₄⁺-N removal rate of the former (∼57%). Notably, KMnO₄ and prokaryotes synergistically contributed to the amorphous structure, mixed phases (buserite, MnO₂ and birnessite) and mixed-valence Mn system of active manganese oxides (MnOx), whose abundant oxygen vacancies and highly reactive Mn(III) favored the autocatalytic oxidation of Mn, while NH₄⁺-N removal relied more on bacteria actions. Additionally, prokaryotes enriched the bacterial community diversity, leading to a more stable RSF system when facing hydraulic loading shock. This paper provided new insight into the synergistic effect of KMnO₄ and prokaryotes on Mn and NH₄⁺-N eliminations in RSFs and was helpful for practical applications.

Application of humin-immobilized biocathode in a continuous-flow bioelectrochemical system for nitrate removal at low temperature

Solid-phase humic substances (humin) can work as an additional electron donor to support the low temperature denitrification but the reducing capacity of its non-reduced form is limited. In this study, a continuous-flow denitrifying BES with a humin-immobilized biocathode (H-BioC) was established. Humin was expected to function as a redox mediator and be persistently reduced on the cathode to provide reducing power to a denitrifying biofilm. Results showed that the H-BioC maintained a stable denitrification capacity with low nitrite accumulation for more than 100 days at 5 °C, and the specific microbial denitrification rate and electron transfer rate were 3.97-fold and 1.75-fold higher than those of the unaltered cathode. The results of repeated cycles of humin reduction and oxidation experiments further suggested that the redox activity of humin was stable. Acidovorax was the most dominant genus in both H-BioC biofilm and unaltered cathodic biofilm, while Rhodocyclaceae (unclassified_f_) was more enriched in H-BioC biofilm. Further Phylogenetic Investigation of Communities by Reconstruction of Unobserved States (PICRUSt) analyses indicated that biofilm formation, electron transfer, and nitrate reduction functions were more abundant in H-BioC, suggesting a possible enhancement mechanism by humin. The results of this study raise the possibility that immobilization of solid-phase humin may be a useful strategy for electrostimulated heterotrophic denitrification in groundwater where the indigenous bacteria have poor electroactivity.

Shifting from Conventional to Organic Filter Media in Wastewater Biofiltration Treatment: A Review

Biofiltration is a promising wastewater treatment green technology employed to remove various types of pollutants. The efficiency of biofiltration relies on biofilm, and its performance is significantly influenced by various factors such as dissolved oxygen concentration, organic loading rate, hydraulic retention time, temperature, and filter media selection. The existing biofilters utilize conventional media such as gravel, sand, anthracite, and many other composite materials. The material cost of these conventional filter materials is usually higher compared to using organic waste materials as the filter media. However, the utilization of organic materials as biofilter media has not been fully explored and their potential in terms of physicochemical properties to promote biofilm growth is lacking in the literature. Therefore, this review critically discusses the potential of shifting conventional filter media to that of organic in biofiltration wastewater treatment, focusing on filtration efficiency-influenced factors, their comparative filtration performance, advantages, and disadvantages, as well as challenges and prospective areas of organic biofilter development.

Self-regulating microbiome networks ensure functional resilience of biofilms in sand biofilters during manganese load fluctuations

Sand biofilters (SBFs) are commonly used to remove manganese (Mn(II)) from drinking water. Mn(II) load variation frequently occurs in SBFs due to fluctuating influent Mn(II) concentrations or flow rates. Therefore, it is important to understand the responses of microbial biofilms in SBFs to environmental disturbances and how they affect Mn(II) oxidation efficiency. Here, the responses of microbial ecological networks and Mn(II) removal in SBFs to increasing Mn(II) load were investigated. The Mn(II) removal efficiency in two SBFs remained at 99.8% despite an increase in influent Mn(II) from 2 mg/L to 4 mg/L, but significantly deteriorated (50.1-58.5%) upon increasing the filtration rate. A canonical correlation analysis of the microbial communities indicated that the local Mn(II) concentration and biofilter depth impacted community compositions of biofilms. The dominant species within the biofilms exhibited clear stratification, with simple associations in the upper layer of the SBFs and more complex interspecies interactions in the bottom layers. Putative manganese-oxidizing bacteria Hyphomicrobium and Pedomicrobium dominated the microbiomes in different layers of SBFs, and changed relatively little in abundance when Mn(II) and filtration rate increased. The community networks showed that biofilm microbiomes in SBFs were resilient to the disturbance of Mn(II) load, primarily via regulating microbial interactions. High manganese loads negatively affected the functional modules for Mn(II) removal. Furthermore, the relatively rare species Candidatus Entotheonella palauensis was identified as a module hub, implying taxa with low abundances can have important roles in ecosystem function. These results shed new light on the ecological rules guiding responses of microbiomes in sand biofilters to environmental stress.

Influence of temperature on CODMn and Mn2+ removal and microbial community structure in pilot-scale biofilter

Test water temperature (TWT) is a significant operational parameter in biofilter. In this study, a pilot-scale biofilter was established to investigate the removal efficiency of COD_Mn and Mn²⁺ and the microbial community structure at different TWT. When COD_Mn and Mn²⁺ in the influent were 6-8 and 0.9-1.2 mg/L, respectively, the removal rates were 22.61% and 94.28% at the low TWT, while 69.42% and 97.85% at the high TWT, respectively. Biological COD_Mn and Mn²⁺ removal followed the first-order reaction, and at the low and high TWT, the k value was 0.00704 and 0.0738 and 0.0313 and 0.113 min^-1, respectively. Organic matter oxidizing bacteria (OMOB, Sphingopyxis, Sphingomonas, Amphiplicatus, Novosphingobium, Gemmatimonas, Chryseolinea and Sphingobium) and manganese oxidizing bacteria (MnOB, Hyphomicrobium, Pedomicrobium and Pseudomonas) were coexisted in 0-1.5 m of the biofilter bed at the low and high TWT, and the abundances were not the main factor affecting the removal efficiency, however the activity.

The performance and microbial community in a slightly alkaline biotrickling filter for the removal of high concentration H2S from biogas

In this study, high concentration of H₂S (i.e., 5000 ppmv) in biogas was effectively removed by a slightly alkaline biotricking filter (BTF) with Polypropylene rings as packing material and oxygen from air as the electron acceptor. The results showed that when the inlet loading of H₂S increased from 101.7 to 422.0 g/m³/h, the removal efficiency of H₂S decreased from 100.0% to 91.4%, and the maximum elimination capacity (EC) was 386.0 ± 10.5 gH₂S/m³/h when empty bed retention time (EBRT) was 1.0 min. The slightly alkaline condition could increase the mass transfer of H₂S from gas to liquid phase and avoid the toxic effect of high concentration of H₂S, resulting in high removal performance of H₂S in the system. With the increase of H₂S inlet loading, the ratio of SO₄^2- in bio-desulfurization products gradually decreased, while that of S⁰ increased. At 101.7-210.7 gH₂S/m³/h of inlet loading, SO₄^2- was the dominant product with the ratio of above 50.00%, while S⁰ became the dominant product with 62.96% at 422.0 gH₂S/m³/h of inlet loading. The 16S rDNA sequencing results showed that the dominant genus in the BTF was sulfide-oxidizing bacteria (SOB), with the abundance of SOB decreased with the increase of inlet loading. The dominant genus were Pseudomonas, Halothiobacillus and Sulfurimonas in the BTF at 101.7, 139.8 and 210.7 gH₂S/m³/h of inlet loading, respectively. The SOB Sulfurimonas might play an important role for bio-desulfurization of high concentration of H₂S in a slightly alkaline BTF under high inlet loading of H₂S.

Mineral Materials Coated with and Consisting of MnOx-Characteristics and Application of Filter Media for Groundwater Treatment: A Review

For groundwater treatment, the technologies involving oxidation on MnOx filter bed are beneficial, common, and effectively used. The presence of MnOx is the mutual feature of filter media, both MnOx-coated mineral materials like quartz sand and gravel, chalcedonite, diatomite, glauconite, zeolite, or anthracite along with consisting of MnOx manganese ores. This review is based on the analysis of research and review papers, commercial data sheets, and standards. The paper aimed to provide new suggestions and useful information for further investigation of MnOx filter media for groundwater treatment. The presented compilations are based on the characteristics of coatings, methods, and conditions of its obtaining and type of filter media. The relationship between the properties of MnOx amendments and the obtained purification effects as well as the commonly used commercial products, their features, and applications have been discussed. The paper concludes by mentioning about improving catalytic/adsorption properties of non-reactive siliceous media opposed to ion-exchange minerals and about possible significance of birnessite type manganese oxide for water treatment. Research needs related to the assessment of the use MnOx filter media to heavy metals removal from groundwater in field operations and to standardize methodology of testing MnOx filter media for water treatment were identified.

Microbial communities and biogenic Mn-oxides in an on-site biofiltration system for cold Fe-(II)- and Mn(II)-rich groundwater treatment

This study investigated relationships between microbial communities, groundwater chemistry, and geochemical and mineralogical characteristics in field-aged biofilter media from a two-stage, pilot-scale, flow-through biofiltration unit designed to remove Fe(II) and Mn(II) from cold groundwater (8 to 15 °C). High-throughput 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing of influent groundwater and biofilter samples (solids, effluents, and backwash water) revealed significant differences in the groundwater, Fe filter, and Mn filter communities. These community differences reflect conditions in each filter that select for populations that biologically oxidize Fe(II) and Mn(II) in the two filters, respectively. Genera identified in both filters included relatives of known Fe(II)-oxidizing bacteria (FeOB), Mn(II)-oxidizing bacteria (MnOB), and ammonia-oxidizing bacteria (AOB). Relatives of AOB and nitrite-oxidizing bacteria were abundant in sequencing reads from both filters. Relatives of FeOB in class Betaproteobacteria dominated the Fe filter. Taxa related to Mn-oxidizing organisms were minor members of the Mn-filter communities; intriguingly, while Alphaproteobacteria dominated (40 ± 10% of sequencing reads) the Mn filter community, these Alphaproteobacteria did not classify as known MnOB. Isolates from Fe and Mn filter backwash enrichment studies provide insight on the identity of MnOB in this system. Novel putative MnOB isolates included Azospirillum sp. CDMB, Solimonas soli CDMK, and Paenibacillus sp. CDME. The isolate Hydrogenophaga strain CDMN can oxidize Mn(II) at 8 °C; this known FeOB is likely capable of Mn(II) oxidation in this system. Synchrotron-based X-ray near-edge spectroscopy (XANES) coupled with electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) revealed the dominant Mn-oxide that formed was biogenic birnessite. Co-existence of amorphous and crystallized Mn-oxide surface morphologies on the Mn-filter media suggest occurrence of both biological and autocatalytic Mn(II) oxidation in the biofilter. This study provides evidence that biofiltration is a viable approach to remove iron, manganese, and ammonia in cold groundwater systems, and that mineralogical and microbiological approaches can be used to monitor biofiltration system efficacy and function.

Single molecule sequencing reveals response of manganese-oxidizing microbiome to different biofilter media in drinking water systems

Rapid sand biofiltration (RSBF) is widely used for the removal of contaminants from drinking water treatment systems. Biofilm microbiomes in the biofilter media play essential roles in biotransformation of contaminants, but is not comprehensively understood. This study reports on Mn(II) oxidation and the core microbiomes in magnetite sand RSBF (MagS-RSBF) and manganese sand RSBF (MnS-RSBF). MnS-RSBF showed a relatively higher Mn(II) removal rate (40-91.2%) than MagS-RSBF during the start-up. MagS-RSBF and MnS-RSBF had similar Mn(II) removal rates (94.13% and 99.16%) over stable operation for 80 days. Mn(II) removal rates at different depths in the MnS-RSBF reactor significantly changed with operation time, and the filter in the upper layer of MnS-RSBF made the largest contribution to Mn(II) oxidation once operation had stabilized. PacBio single molecule sequencing of full-length 16S rRNA gene indicated that biofilter medium had a significant impact on the core microbiomes of the biofilms from the two biofilters. The magnetite sand biofilter facilitated the enrichment of Mn(II)-oxidizing biofilms. The dominant populations consisted of Pedomicrobium, Pseudomonas, and Hyphomicrobium in the RSBF, which have been affiliated with putative manganese-oxidizing bacteria (MnOB). The relative abundance of Pedomicrobium manganicum increased with operation time in both RSBF reactors. In addition, Nordella oligomobilis and Derxia gummosa were statistically correlated with Mn(II) oxidation. Species-species co-occurrence networks indicated that the microbiome of MnS-RSBF had more complex correlations than that of MagS-RSBF, implying that biofilter medium substantially shaped the microbial community in the RSBF. Hyphomicrobium and nitrite-oxidizing Nitrospira moscoviensis were positively correlated. The core microbiomes' composition of both RSBF reactors converged over operation time. A hybrid biofilter medium with magnetite sand and manganese sand may therefore be best in rapid sand filtration for Mn(II) oxidation.

Enhancing the removal of H2S from biogas through refluxing of outlet gas in biological bubble-column

Biological bubble-column (BBC) is beneficial for elemental sulfur recycle from H₂S, but it's difficult to remove high concentration of H₂S in biogas efficiently due to the mass transfer limitation of H₂S from gas to liquid. In this study, a novel method with refluxing outlet gas in BBC was investigated. The results showed that gas reflux greatly enhanced the removal of high concentration of H₂S (about 5000 ppmv) from biogas. The removal efficiency of H₂S was 88.0 ± 4.1% with the reflux ratio at 1.0, which was higher than those without gas reflux (58.4 ± 1.0%), when the inlet H₂S loading was 143.1 ± 4.5 g/(m³·h). Moreover, the removal capacity of H₂S improved significantly with the increase of the reflux ratios from 1.0 to 4.0 and achieved the maximum at 271.8 ± 2.4 g/(m³·h). This might mainly be attributed to longer residence time and enhanced the mass transfer of O₂ and H₂S from gas to liquid through gas reflux.

Removal of Manganese(II) from Acid Mine Wastewater: A Review of the Challenges and Opportunities with Special Emphasis on Mn-Oxidizing Bacteria and Microalgae

Many global mining activities release large amounts of acidic mine drainage with high levels of manganese (Mn) having potentially detrimental effects on the environment. This review provides a comprehensive assessment of the main implications and challenges of Mn(II) removal from mine drainage. We first present the sources of contamination from mineral processing, as well as the adverse effects of Mn on mining ecosystems. Then the comparison of several techniques to remove Mn(II) from wastewater, as well as an assessment of the challenges associated with precipitation, adsorption, and oxidation/filtration are provided. We also critically analyze remediation options with special emphasis on Mn-oxidizing bacteria (MnOB) and microalgae. Recent literature demonstrates that MnOB can efficiently oxidize dissolved Mn(II) to Mn(III, IV) through enzymatic catalysis. Microalgae can also accelerate Mn(II) oxidation through indirect oxidation by increasing solution pH and dissolved oxygen production during its growth. Microbial oxidation and the removal of Mn(II) have been effective in treating artificial wastewater and groundwater under neutral conditions with adequate oxygen. Compared to physicochemical techniques, the bioremediation of manganese mine drainage without the addition of chemical reagents is relatively inexpensive. However, wastewater from manganese mines is acidic and has low-levels of dissolved oxygen, which inhibit the oxidizing ability of MnOB. We propose an alternative treatment for manganese mine drainage that focuses on the synergistic interactions of Mn in wastewater with co-immobilized MnOB/microalgae.

Long-term operation and autotrophic nitrogen conversion process analysis in a biofilter that simultaneously removes Fe, Mn and ammonia from low-temperature groundwater

One lab-scale biofilter that simultaneously removes Fe, Mn and ammonia from 4 °C groundwater was established to investigate the nitrogen conversion process. The results showed that 333 days were needed to achieve the required standards for Fe, Mn and ammonia under a filtration rate of 3 m/h. Effluent nitrite concentration was the key factor determining the final operation parameters. Both nitrification and anaerobic ammonium oxidation (ANAMMOX) contributed to nitrogen conversion. The calculation results demonstrated that autotrophic nitrogen removal proportion was about 15.92% in steady operation period. Meanwhile, 7 genera of Mn oxidizing bacteria (MnOB) were detected; Candidatus Brocadia was the only detected ANAMMOX genera. The corresponding functional oxidizing bacteria could be acclimated sufficiently in biofilter treating low-temperature groundwater.

Fractional removal of manganese and ammonia nitrogen from electrolytic metal manganese residue leachate using carbonate and struvite precipitation

A comparative investigation of hydroxide precipitation, sulfide precipitation, carbonate precipitation and the struvite formation process for removing manganese and ammonia nitrogen from electrolytic metal manganese residue leachate (EMMRL) was investigated. Chemical equilibrium model-Visual MINTEQ was applied to simulate the chemical reactions and optimize chemical dosages in manganese and ammonia nitrogen removal. Phase transition, morphology, and valence state of the precipitates were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), and X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS). Results indicated that carbonate precipitation prior to the other two methods for removal of manganese and ammonia nitrogen. The removal efficiency of manganese was 99.9%, when molar ratio of C to Mn was 1.1:1 at pH 9.5, and manganese was removed in the form of MnCO₃. When molar ratio of P to N was 1.1:1 at pH 9.5, the removal efficiency of ammonia nitrogen was 97.4%, and ammonia nitrogen was removed in the form of struvite. Economic evaluation reveals that the treatment cost was 9.316 $ m^-3 when carbonate and phosphate was used to remove manganese and ammonia nitrogen from EMMRL.

Seasonal microbial variation accounts for arsenic dynamics in shallow alluvial aquifer systems

Determining the temporal variation of microbial communities in groundwater systems is essential to improve our understanding of hydrochemical dynamics in aquifers, particularly as it relates to the fate of redox-sensitive contaminants like arsenic (As). Therefore, a high-resolution hydrobiogeochemical investigation was conducted in the As-affected alluvial aquifer systems of the Jianghan Plain. In two 25 m-deep monitoring wells, the seasonal variation in the composition of groundwater microbial communities was positively correlated with the change in groundwater level (R = 0.47 and 0.39 in NH03B and NH05B, respectively, P <  0.01), implying that the latter could be a primary driver of the seasonal microbial dynamics. In response to the fluctuating groundwater level, iron (Fe) reducers within the Desulfuromonadales were dominant (9.9 ± 4.7% among different sampling sites) in groundwater microbial communities during the monsoon season and associated with high concentrations of Fe(II) and As, while the predominance (16.7 ± 15.2% among different sampling sites) of iron-oxidizers the Gallionellaceae was accompanied by low Fe(II) and As in the non-monsoon season. These results suggest that microbially-mediated iron reduction/oxidation may have governed the seasonal mobilization/scavenging of As in groundwater. Our results provide new insights into mechanisms responsible for seasonal variations in groundwater As concentrations in similar aquifer systems.

Natural Attenuation of Mn(II) in Metal Refinery Wastewater: Microbial Community Structure Analysis and Isolation of a New Mn(II)-Oxidizing Bacterium Pseudomonas sp. SK3

Natural attenuation of Mn(II) was observed inside the metal refinery wastewater pipeline, accompanying dark brown-colored mineralization (mostly MnIVO2 with some MnIII2O3 and Fe2O3) on the inner pipe surface. The Mn-deposit hosted the bacterial community comprised of Hyphomicrobium sp. (22.1%), Magnetospirillum sp. (3.2%), Geobacter sp. (0.3%), Bacillus sp. (0.18%), Pseudomonas sp. (0.03%), and non-metal-metabolizing bacteria (74.2%). Culture enrichment of the Mn-deposit led to the isolation of a new heterotrophic Mn(II)-oxidizer Pseudomonas sp. SK3, with its closest relative Ps. resinovorans (with 98.4% 16S rRNA gene sequence identity), which was previously unknown as an Mn(II)-oxidizer. Oxidation of up to 100 mg/L Mn(II) was readily initiated and completed by isolate SK3, even in the presence of high contents of MgSO4 (a typical solute in metal refinery wastewaters). Additional Cu(II) facilitated Mn(II) oxidation by isolate SK3 (implying the involvement of multicopper oxidase enzyme), allowing a 2-fold greater Mn removal rate, compared to the well-studied Mn(II)-oxidizer Ps. putida MnB1. Poorly crystalline biogenic birnessite was formed by isolate SK3 via one-electron transfer oxidation, gradually raising the Mn AOS (average oxidation state) to 3.80 in 72 h. Together with its efficient in vitro Mn(II) oxidation behavior, a high Mn AOS level of 3.75 was observed with the pipeline Mn-deposit sample collected in situ. The overall results, including the microbial community structure analysis of the pipeline sample, suggest that the natural Mn(II) attenuation phenomenon was characterized by robust in situ activity of Mn(II) oxidizers (including strain SK3) for continuous generation of Mn(IV). This likely synergistically facilitated chemical Mn(II)/Mn(IV) synproportionation for effective Mn removal in the complex ecosystem established in this artificial pipeline structure. The potential utility of isolate SK3 is illustrated for further industrial application in metal refinery wastewater treatment processes.

Performance and microbial community profiles in pilot-scale biofilter for the simultaneous removal of ammonia, iron and manganese at different manganese concentrations

To accelerate extensive application of biological manganese removal technology, a pilot-scale biofilter for ammonia, iron and manganese removal was constructed to investigate the removal performance and microbial community profiles at different manganese concentrations. When manganese in influent increased from 1 to 10 mg/L, the pollutants were completely removed. Ammonia and iron was slightly changed along the filter depth, while manganese obviously increased. In 0 m of the filter depth, the abundance of Gallionella (iron oxidizing bacteria, IOB) increased, while Crenothrix (IOB) decreased. The abundance of Gallionella (manganese oxidizing bacteria, MnOB) in 0.4 and 0.8 m increased to 16.82% and 12.37%, respectively; and Crenothrix (MnOB) in 0.8 m increased to 19.95%, but decreased to 25.08% in 0.4 m. The abundance of ammonia oxidizing bacteria (AOB, Nitrosococcus) decreased in 0.4 and 0.8 m. The biofilter presented a high ability to remove manganese, and had a broad application prospect.

The Use of Chalcedonite as a Biosorption Bed in the Treatment of Groundwater

The conducted laboratory tests allowed determination of the efficiency of removing ammonium nitrogen, iron, and manganese in the biofiltration process on chalcedonite beds. The process of water purification was carried out by a single- and two-stage biofiltration method with gravitational and anti-gravitational flow. The study examined the extent to which chemical activation of the bed with potassium manganese (VII) affects the course of the nitrification process and the rate of biofilm formation. The obtained test results indicate that two-stage biofiltration, with initial chemical activation at the first stage of biofiltration, is an effective method for purifying waters with an abnormal content of ammonium nitrogen with simultaneous removal of iron and manganese. Activation of the bed had an effect on, among other things: biofilm formation time, efficiency of removing manganese (II) ions, and oxygen consumption in the biofiltration process. Due to the longer maturation time of the activated bed, the normative value of ammonium nitrogen (< 0.39 N-NH4+) was obtained on the 23rd day of the operation of the filters, and in the non-activated bed on the 14th day. The method of bed preparation did not affect the efficiency of removal of iron compounds.

Environmental Bacteria Involved in Manganese(II) Oxidation and Removal From Groundwater

The presence of iron (Fe) and manganese (Mn) in groundwater is an important concern in populations that use it as source of drinking water. The ingestion of high concentrations of these metals may affect human health. In addition, these metals cause aesthetic and organoleptic problems that affect water quality and also induce corrosion in distribution networks, generating operational and system maintenance problems. Biological sand filter systems are widely used to remove Fe and Mn from groundwater since they are a cost-effective technology and minimize the use of chemical oxidants. In this work, the bacterial communities of two biological water treatment plants from Argentina, exposed to long term presence of Mn(II) and with a high Mn(II) removal efficiency, were characterized using 16S rRNA gene Illumina sequencing. Several selective media were used to culture Mn-oxidizing bacteria (MOB) and a large number of known MOB and several isolates that have never been reported before as MOB were cultivated. These bacteria were characterized to select those with the highest Mn(II) oxidation and biofilm formation capacities and also those that can oxidize Mn(II) at different environmental growth conditions. In addition, studies were performed to determine if the selected MOB were able to oxidize Mn(II) present in groundwater while immobilized on sand. This work allowed the isolation of several bacterial strains adequate to develop an inoculum applicable to improve Mn(II) removal efficiency of sand filter water treatment plants.

Impact of Mn and ammonia on nitrogen conversion in biofilter coupling nitrification and ANAMMOX that simultaneously removes Fe, Mn and ammonia

One lab-scale biofilter coupling nitrification and anaerobic ammonium oxidation (ANAMMOX) that simultaneously removes Fe, Mn and ammonia from simulated groundwater was adopted to investigate the influence of Mn and ammonia on nitrogen conversion and Mn removal kinetics in this study. The results showed that autotrophic nitrogen removal proportion (ANRP) rose slightly with the raise of Mn concentration and declined along with the raise of ammonia; the average ratios were 49.6%, 51.5%, 51.8%, 52.3%, 52.6%, 48.9%, 47.4% and 38.8%, respectively. Relative constant or slight down trend of accumulated ANRP was detected in filter bed which indicated the superiority of nitrification in relevant areas. After reaching a certain value, Mn could promote ANAMMOX in the upper part of the filter bed and shorten the main ammonia conversion area. As ammonia content rising, the maximum accumulated ANRP reduced and the maximum value acquired height went up. Moreover, the ammonia inhibition threshold for ANAMMOX in the biofilter might be different from waste water treatment. Mn removal could be assessed by first order reaction in all the eight periods and the k values were more comparable than those in abiotic Mn oxidation.

Fe(ii) and Mn(ii) removal by Ca(ii)–manganite (γ-MnOOH)-modified red mud granules in water

In this study, a material (DLRMG) was synthesized by modifying Ca²⁺ and manganite (γ-MnOOH) on red mud granules (RMG), which were the main raw materials derived from industrial alumina. Moreover, a series of experiments were conducted on the adsorption of Fe²⁺ and Mn²⁺ in underground water. The prepared samples were analyzed by X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis-differential thermal analysis (TG-DTA), zeta potential analysis, BET and scanning electron microscopy (SEM); the concentration of the effluent was found to be of acceptable standard after the treatment. DLRMG continued to treat fluoride wastewater even after the saturated adsorption of Fe²⁺ and Mn²⁺, and the results clearly showed that the treatment was effective. Overall, the problems of red mud stockpile and pollution in China would be effectively controlled by DLRMG.

The use of the waste of aluminum industry to prepare effective polluted materials for the treatment of underground water.