In many industrial regions of Russia, surface waters are polluted with phenol, poisoning with which leads to serious consequences for humans. In wastewater from oil refining, timber and coke-chemical enterprises, the phenol content can exceed 10 g/l. Scientists from Perm National Research Polytechnic University (PNRPU) have proposed their own method for water purification.
They have developed a biosorbent based on activated carbon and microorganisms. According to Elena Farberova, Associate Professor of the Department of \"Chemistry and Biotechnology\" at PNRPU, deep water purification can be achieved by choosing the right sorbent.
We have created a biosorbent, which is activated carbon, on the surface of which immоbilized (fixed) cells of microorganisms that destroy the pollutant.
The university press service explained that activated carbon has a high degree of porosity. It gives good results in the purification of water with a low concentration of phenol. But in combination with microorganisms, the effectiveness of coal increases.
The capacity of the developed biоsоrbent is 2 times higher than the capacity of pure coal.
Scientists plan to offer enterprises their method of wastewater treatment.
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