Manganese Removal from Surface Water using Bench-Scale Biofiltration

Abstract

Research has shown biological filtration can be a successful treatment for manganese (Mn) removal from groundwater and surface water. In this study, bench-scale direct biofiltration was used to remove Mn and dissolved organic carbon (DOC) from a pH 6 surface water source in Halifax, Canada. The removal of Mn in pH 6 surface water was significantly (? = 0.05) removed with 200-300 µg/L phosphorus (P), and 500 µg/L hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). DOC removal was significantly (? = 0.05) improved with granular activated carbon (GAC) media, P enhancement at 200-300 µg/L, and H2O2 enhancement at 500 µg/L. Mn was likely removed by biological oxidation and physical adsorption to biogenic Mn and iron (Fe) oxides. These results show direct biofiltration of surface water at pH 6 can remove Mn below the 50 µg/L aesthetic guideline from a Mn loading of over 1 mg/L. Further research is required to verify the microbial mechanism.