Polymeric supports for the adhesion of a consortium of autotrophic nitrifying bacteria

Abstract

The nitrifying performance of the biofilm formed onto polymeric supports (high density polystyrene, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinylchloride and polymethyl-methacrylate) was correlated with hydrophobicity and surface charge of both bacteria and support media. Polypropylene, the most hydrophobic material, had the best properties for biofilm formation. The adhesion of nitrifying bacteria mainly governed by hydrophobic interactions though electrostatic interactions were a determinant when the supports had identical hydrophobicity.