The removal of phosphorus (P) in the wastewater is essential for the prevention of eutrophication in the river and stream. This study was initiated to evaluate the effect of the various heavy metals on the growth and P removal capacity of Pseudomonas sp., which was well known as phosphorus accumulating microorganism(PAO's) in the EBPR(Enhanced Biological Phosphorus Removal) process. The five heavy metals used in the study were Cu, As, Zn, Ni, and Cd. The growth rate of Pseudomonas sp. was the greatest at 25℃, but the removal efficiency of P was the highest at 30℃. The IC 50 (median Inhibition Concentration) values of Pseudomonas sp. for the Cu, As, Zn, Ni, and Cd were 2.35, 11.04, 1.80, 4.92, and 0.24 mg/L, respectively. Therefore, it appears that the sensitivity of the heavy metals to Pseudomonas sp. was in the following order: Cd> Zn> Cu> Ni> AS. Also, the P removal efficiencies by Pseudomonas sp. were correspondingly decreased as the concentrations of heavy metals were increased.

No abstract

No abstract