Influence of biodegradable polyurethane foam on biocoenosis and sludge activity in reactors simulating low-load wastewater treatments

Abstract

Hydrophilic and fully aliphatic polyurethane (PUR) foam exhibiting a highly open cellular structure was used as a biodegradable biofilm carrier that would serve simultaneously as a nutrient source. A one-month laboratory testing in a reactor simulating domestic wastewater treatment plants was conducted based on chemical and hydrobiological analyses as well as evaluation of microorganism development and enzymatic activity. It was found that PUR foam can successfully serve as a carrier for microorganisms and simultaneously can be biodegraded when the supply of nutrition is limited.