Activity test for biological sulfate reduction.

ABSTRACT

Biofilm reactors with turbulent agitation are often the best choice for sulfate reduction using hydrogen as electron donor for treatment of metal sulfate wastewater. In this paper, a simple activity set-up with self aspiration of gas into liquid is described for determining the sulphidogenic activity of biofilms on polystyrene beads. Sulfate reducing bacteria attached to the beads of size 1-2 mm and 2 mm were found helpful for 0.058 g SO4(2-) reduction per g of dry beads per day and 0.33 g SO4(2-) reduction per g of dry beads respectively. Also it is observed that zinc has no impact on this activity at the concentration of 680 mg/L.