Evaluation of the possibility to use wood-polymer composites for treatment of wastewater from the septic tank

In this study, the susceptibility of the surface of fittings prepared using wood-polymer composites to the formation of biofilm in the process of wastewater treatment in a model laboratory system was investigated. The conducted analyses indicate the beneficial effect of the tested solid substrate on the long-term settlement of various microorganisms, especially in case of supports prepared using wood-polymer composites. The conducted studies allowed to establish that the initial hydrophilicity of the material, which determines its high wettability, is the factor that contributes to the formation of biofilm on fittings made of a wood-polymer composite with a composition of 60% wt. of polyethylene Tipelin polypropylene and 40% wt. of C120 wood flour filler. Microorganisms firmly anchored to a solid substrate form a biofilm and trigger numerous reactions in the surrounding environment. The process of wastewater treatment on the carriers was effective due to the presence of numerous microorganisms. The formation of a biofilm on the surface of the composites ultimately resulted in an increase of the contact angle, which was confirmed by repeated studies performed after the end of the tests.