Abstract
This review presents a compilation of works with particular interest in the application of static magnetic field (SMF) to biological systems, wastewater treatment and few available reports on microbial granulation technology. It also highlights the effects of SMF on biological systems and wastewater treatment process. With an increasing need for environmentally conscious solutions to water purification and disinfection, wastewater treatment, bioremediation and other cheap alternative means, the application of SMF in biological water and wastewater treatment without increase in chemicals required may become an attractive option. Application of SMF has been reported to be successful in a number of fields including treatment of wastewater. However, there are sparse reports on SMF application in the formation and development of microbial granule and production of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS). Achieving a short start-up time in a bioreactor towards the development of microbial granule is of paramount importance in granulation technology. Ascertaining how effective varying strength of SMF and other input variables may enhance the microbial granule with respect to its physical, chemical and biological characteristics requires further research.
Highlights
One important advancement and breakthrough in biological wastewater technology is the introduction of high-rate reactors; in which biomass and liquid retention are in the same basin and reduces space required e.g. sequencing batch reactor (SBR)
There is still sparse information relating to the effect of static magnetic field (SMF) on extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) production
The question still pending is can SMF be a probable external factor for development of enhanced microbial granules? And where it can what is the likely SMF strength that should be applied for optimal performance
Summary
One important advancement and breakthrough in biological wastewater technology is the introduction of high-rate reactors; in which biomass and liquid retention are in the same basin and reduces space required e.g. sequencing batch reactor (SBR). The nature of substrate composition, hydrodynamic shear force, hydraulic retention time, settling time, aerobic starvation, presence of calcium and other ions, intermittent feeding strategy, dissolved oxygen, pH, temperature, seed sludge selection, reactor configuration, presence of inhibitory compounds, amongst others are factors that could affect the time needed for the biogranule development Aside these strategies a likely promising alternative is the application of static magnetic field (SMF) to biological wastewater treatment so as to accelerate the biological activity. The operating conditions of a reactor such as organic loading rate, solids and hydraulic retention times, etc., and probably the wastewater composition can affect the eventual granular anaerobic or aerobic sludge characteristics. In as much as the treatment performance appear to be satisfactory, to understand the mechanism and effect of SMF on biological systems and treatment processes, how the strength of SMF affects a system is very important
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
