The operating performance of Modified Basalt Fibers (MBF) Bio-nest Reactor exposed to nano-plastics

Biological nests made of Modified Basalt Fiber (MBF bio-nests) serve as effective carriers for enhancing wastewater treatment. However, little is known about their performance when exposed to nano-plastics. This study investigates the decontamination efficiency and microbial functionality of four types of MBF and traditional Basalt Fibers (BF) as carriers in contact oxidation reactors. Compared to BF, MBF demonstrated superior growth effects and biocompatibility within the bio-nest. Ca-MBF and Mn-MBF bio-nests exhibited the highest and most uniform absorption capacities, respectively, alongside increased secretion of total Extracellular Polymeric Substances (EPS) and higher Protein to Sugar (PN/PS) ratios. In sewage environments, all MBF groups displayed stable performance in removing NH