Can Induced Magnetic Field Enhance Bioprocesses? - Review

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.