Process for removing manganese from solutions including aqueous industrial waste

摘要

A process is provided for reducing the concentration of water soluble ionic manganese species in aqueous waste solutions containing the same. The process comprises passing said waste solution through a treatment zone containing a porous matrix on which are retained populations of at least one manganese oxidizing bacterium, such as members of the genus Metallogenium. The passing of said aqueous solution through said treatment zone is carried out at predetermined rates of flow, and contact between said solution and said bacteria is conducted under aerobic conditions and at predetermined pH and temperature levels. The process provides for the conversion of water soluble ionic manganese species to water insoluble manganese oxides, which are retained on the porous matrix and can be recovered therefrom.