Activation of manganese-oxidizing fungus with carbon fiber

A newly-discovered species of fungus was applied to oxidize and remove dissolved Mn (II) ions from aqueous media. The presence of PAN-based carbon fiber (ca. 7 μm in diameter) shortened the time for removal to less than half compared with the absence of the fiber, while PET fiber of similar diameter and unwoven carbon fiber cloth made of acryl fiber (ca. 10 μm in diameter) showed no effect. The results indicate that a shape as well as material is important to expect the promotion of microbiological activities.