The formation mechanism of carbon fiber biofilmII. Effects of carbon fiber surface characteristic on the activity and multiplication of microorganism

Using contrast, chemical analysis, surface morphological analysis and mensuration of microorganism activity and other techniques, the surface characteristics of activated carbon fibers and surfacemodified activated carbon fibers, which had been used as a biofilm carrier were studied. The effects of the surface characteristics on biofilm activity and activity and multiplication of microorganisms in active sludge were also studied. The emphasis was to examine the effects of fiber surface functional groups, specific surface area, and wetting quality. Results showed that: (1) Improving the surface adsorption of the carbon fiber enhances the fixation of microorganisms on the surface, and increasing specific surface area is beneficial to enhance their activity. (2) In comparison with other organic polymer materials, carbon fibers are able to promote microorganism growth. (3) Increasing surface wetting quality and the introduction of acid functional groups on the fiber can help microorganism growth on the carrier surface.