Biocenosis of BACFs used for groundwater treatment

The studies on the biocenosis of biologically active carbon filters (BACF) used in treatment of Miocene water revealed the presence of protozoa of the group of flagellates and ciliates (Glaucoma sp., Opercularia sp.), saprophytic bacteria, phase I and II nitrifying bacteria, Fe(II) and Mn(II) oxidizing bacteria of the family Siderocapsaceae, Leptothrix ochracea and Pedomicrobium sp., as well as microscopic fungi. The stratification of biofilter colonisation by these microorganisms was found to be similar to that occurring in biofilters applied in sewage treatment. A hypothetical model of microbiological transformations in BACFs, brought about by various physiological groups of microorganisms, is presented. It is shown that ozone pre-treatment of water dosed to the biofilter reduces the number of saprophytic bacteria and moulds in its upper layer, as well as Fe(II) oxidizing bacteria of the family Siderocapsaceae across the full section of the biofilter; it does not, however, influence the abundance of nitrifying phase I and II autotrophic bacteria and Mn(II) oxidizing bacteria of the family Siderocapsaceae. The abundance of microorganisms in the biofilter outflow is increased in comparison with that in untreated water; they do not, however, create a health hazard for human beings.