Quantifying filamentous microorganisms in activated sludge before, during, and after an incident of foaming by oligonucleotide probe hybridizations and antibody staining

2001 ◽  
Vol 35 (14) ◽  
pp. 3325-3336 ◽  
Author(s):  
D.B Oerther ◽  
F.L de los Reyes ◽  
M.F de los Reyes ◽  
L Raskin
Keyword(s):  
Activated Sludge ◽  
Oligonucleotide Probe ◽  
Antibody Staining ◽  
Filamentous Microorganisms

Variation in Sludge Settleability with Temperature

1980 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
pp. 73-82 ◽  
Author(s):  
J.G. Henry ◽  
E.E. Salenieks
Keyword(s):  
Activated Sludge ◽  
Effect Of Temperature ◽  
Organic Load ◽  
Limiting Factor ◽  
Appreciable Effect ◽  
Loading Rates ◽  
Bench Scale ◽  
Filamentous Bulking ◽  
Filamentous Microorganisms ◽  
Sludge Settleability

Abstract This study examined the effect of temperature on the settleabi1ity of activated sludge at various organic loading rates. Five completely mixed, bench-scale, activated sludge plants, operating under similar conditions at 5, 10 and 19°C, were continuously fed diluted, settled sewage supplemented with carbohydrate (sucrose). Hydraulic loading rates, MLSS and pH were maintained at constant levels during the experiments to eliminate these factors are variables. Dissolved oxygen was kept in excess of 3 mg/1 so that it would not be a limiting factor. Sludge Volume Indices (SVI ) and zone settling velocities were used to indicate changes in sludge settleability. Microscopic examination of the activated sludge indicated significant differences in the morphological features of filamentous microorganisms present at the two temperature extremes. At 19°C, the predominant forms were characterized by long curving trichomes, occasionally falsely branching, containing short cylindrical cells. At 5 °C, much smaller straight filaments, composed of long, narrow, rod-shaped cells appeared to be the principal microorganisms responsible for bulking. Various other filamentous forms were always present at each of the temperatures studied. Stirred sludge settling tests of moderately bulking sludges generally exhibited much higher settling velocities and lower SVI's than unstirred bulking samples. However, extremely filamentous bulking sludge exhibited comparable stirred and unstirred settling velocity and SVI values. The standard SVI test was found to be an inadequate indicator of the extent of bulking when trying to correlate the SVI failures from bench-scale performance with the results from continuous units. Lower temperature had no appreciable effect on COD removal efficiency as long as bulking did not cause a loss of solids in the effluent. However, results suggested that less than half the organic load could be accepted at 5°C, that could be handled at 19°C, before filamentous bulking occurred. A plot of loading versus temperature for various SVI's provided a visual indication of the safe loading limit below which bulking was unlikely to occur. The study clearly demonstrated that temperature can have a significant effect on sludge settleability.

Minimizing of foaming in digesters by pre-treatment of the surplus-sludge

2000 ◽  
Vol 42 (9) ◽  
pp. 235-241 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Barjenbruch ◽  
H. Hoffmann ◽  
O. Kopplow ◽  
J. Tränckner
Keyword(s):  
High Pressure ◽  
Activated Sludge ◽  
Treatment Methods ◽  
Foaming Agents ◽  
Instance Reduction ◽  
Filamentous Microorganisms ◽  
Hydrophobic Substances ◽  
Pre Treatment ◽  
Heating Up ◽  
The Impact

Several reasons can lead to the emergence of foam in digesting tanks, for instance overloading or the impact of hydrophobic substances. Furthermore, the foaming is in regular periods going together with the emergence of filamentous microorganisms. Up to now, several strategies to avoid foaming have been tested out (for instance reduction of the sludge load in the activated sludge stage, lowering of the sludge level in the digestion tank, dosage of anti foaming agents), but these have been done relatively unsystematically and with more or less success. For our contribution, laboratory-scale digestion tests were run to analyse mechanical and thermal pre-treatment methods for the destruction of the surplus sludge. Whereas the disintegration by a high pressure homogeniser did only achieve a low reduction of the foam phase, the thermal pre-treatment at 121°C made for an effective subduing of the foam emergence. Both methods allowed for a cutting up of the filaments, but only the heating up effected the reduction of the hydrophobic substances; thus, the foaming is possibly caused by them.

Improving the hydrobiological analysis of activated sludge at the Minsk wastewater treatment facilities

2021 ◽  
pp. 26-36
Author(s):  
О.С. Дубовик ◽  
Р.М. Маркевич ◽  
Е.В. Гаврилович ◽  
И.А. Гребенчикова ◽  
В.В. Иванович
Keyword(s):  
Wastewater Treatment ◽  
Activated Sludge ◽  
Point System ◽  
Treatment Conditions ◽  
Filamentous Microorganisms ◽  
Different Seasons ◽  
Treatment Facilities ◽  
Favorable Conditions ◽  
Quantitative Account ◽  
Different Levels

На основании накопленного опыта эксплуатации сооружений Минской очистной станции и обзора источников информации определена схема гидробиологического анализа активного ила, приведена форма регистрации результатов проведенного анализа. Для количественного учета нитчатых микроорганизмов разработана собственная пятибалльная система. Для нитчатых микроорганизмов, выявленных в активном иле, на основании анализа литературных данных определены условия, благоприятствующие их массовому развитию. В течение длительного периода времени, включающего разные сезоны года, проведена апробация усовершенствованной методики для мониторинга состояния иловой суспензии очистных сооружений двух площадок станции: классических четырехкоридорных аэротенков-вытеснителей первой площадки и биореакторов с каскадной денитрификацией второй площадки. Определены представители нитчатых микроорганизмов, постоянно обитающие в очистных сооружениях, выявлены доминирующие виды. Проведено сопоставление результатов анализа нитчатых форм и седиментационных характеристик активного ила. Сделаны заключения об особенностях биоценоза аэротенков первой площадки и биореакторов второй площадки, идентичности по видовому составу сообществ нитчатых бактерий, влиянии состава сточных вод и условий их очистки (нагрузка на ил, наличие зон с разным уровнем аэрации) на свойства иловой суспензии. Based on the accumulated experience in operating the Minsk Wastewater Treatment Facilities and a review of information sources, a scheme for the hydrobiological analysis of activated sludge was determined, and a form for recording the results of the analysis was provided. For the quantitative account of filamentous microorganisms, an original five-point system was developed. Based on the literature data analysis, favorable conditions for the mass growth of filamentous microorganisms found in activated sludge were determined. Over a long period of time, including different seasons of the year, the improved methodology was tested for monitoring the state of the sludge suspension at two sites of the treatment facilities: traditional four-line continuous-flow aeration tanks at the first site and bioreactors with cascade denitrification at the second site. The species of filamentous microorganisms, permanently living in wastewater treatment structures, have been identified, and the dominant species have been determined. The results of the analysis of filamentous forms and sedimentation characteristics of activated sludge are compared. Conclusions were made about the features of the biocenosis in the aeration tanks at the first site and in the bioreactors at the second site; about the identity of the species composition of the filamentous bacteria communities, the effect of the wastewater composition and treatment conditions (sludge load, occurrence of zones with different levels of aeration) on the properties of the sludge suspension.

Settling Characteristics of Activated Sludge in Danish Treatment Plants with Biological Nutrient Removal

1994 ◽  
Vol 29 (7) ◽  
pp. 157-165 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gert Holm Kristensen ◽  
Per Elberg Jørgensen ◽  
Per Halkjær Nielsen
Keyword(s):  
Activated Sludge ◽  
Nutrient Removal ◽  
Volume Index ◽  
Biological Nutrient Removal ◽  
Sludge Volume Index ◽  
Filamentous Microorganisms ◽  
Best Parameter ◽  
One Year ◽  
Sludge Settling ◽  
Settling Characteristics

In 1989-91, a study was performed to investigate the settling characteristics of activated sludge in Danish treatment plants with biological nutrient removal. The study included three screening series on 38 treatment plants. Furthermore, the study included investigations during one year on seasonal variations in sludge settling characteristics at three treatment plants. The screening investigations were performed in November 1989 and May and September, 1990. Results showed that in the May-screening, 35-45% of the plants had a filament index of 2-2.5 or above, corresponding to a sludge volume index above 150 ml/g. When comparing data for diluted and non-diluted sludge volume indices, a SVI value of 150 ml/g seemed parallel to a DSVI of 110 ml/g. In the November- and September-screenings, some 30% of the plants had activated sludge showing a filament index in or above the critical area. Dominating filamentous microorganisms were found to be (in decreasing order): Microthrix parvicella, Type 0041, Type 021N, Type 0092, Type 0914, and Type 1851. A distinct variation over the year in sludge settling characteristics was found for the three plants. Sludge settling characteristics improved during summer, and deteriorated during winter. For activated sludge with a high content of filamentous microorganisms, the best parameter to follow the variations in sludge settling properties was the filament number. If the activated sludge concentration, the MLSS, varied significantly, the specific filament number was to be applied.

Application of oligonucleotide probes for the detection of Thiothrix spp. in activated sludge plants treating paper and board mill wastes

2002 ◽  
Vol 46 (1-2) ◽  
pp. 559-564 ◽  
Author(s):  
S.B. Kim ◽  
M. Goodfellow ◽  
J. Kelly ◽  
G.S. Saddler ◽  
A.C. Ward
Keyword(s):  
Activated Sludge ◽  
Bacterial Population ◽  
Oligonucleotide Probe ◽  
In Situ Hybridisation ◽  
Filamentous Bacteria ◽  
Phylogenetic Groups ◽  
Investigation Period ◽  
Mixed Populations ◽  
Conventional Microscopy

Filamentous bacteria belonging to the genus Thiothrix were detected in activated sludge samples using the fluorescent in situ hybridisation (FISH) technique. A 16S rRNA-targeted oligonucleotide probe was developed for the detection of members of the T. fructosivorans group, and the performance of probe TNI for the detection of Thiothrix nivea group was enhanced by using an unlabeled competitor. A set of 5 probes covering all phylogenetic groups of Thiothrix were used to examine samples taken from selected activated sludge plants treating paper and board mill wastes. Members of the T. eikelboomii group formed the predominant filamentous bacterial population in plants experiencing poor sludge settleability, whereas members of the T. nivea group were commonly found but not dominantly in the remaining plants. Members of the T. fructosivorans group were not detected at any significant level in any of the samples. The distribution of the main Thiothrix types remained unchanged throughout the investigation period. It was evident that mixed populations of Thiothrix spp. were present in all activated sludge samples investigated, the observed differences were in the relative abundance of the various groups. These findings were supported by the results obtained using conventional microscopy.

Practical Investigations on Bulking and Foaming in Activated Sludge Plants with Biological Phosphorus Removal

1994 ◽  
Vol 29 (7) ◽  
pp. 289-294 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. Kunst ◽  
M. Reins
Keyword(s):  
Activated Sludge ◽  
Microscopic Observation ◽  
Phosphorus Removal ◽  
Practical Investigations ◽  
Biological Phosphorus Removal ◽  
Sludge Bulking ◽  
Filamentous Microorganisms ◽  
Intensive Observation ◽  
Biological Phosphorus

Six processes implemented at treatment plants with biological phosphorus removal aiming to avert sludge bulking were examined systematically. Intensive observation of the filamentous microorganisms (characterised according to a new scheme) and microscopic observation of sludge structures are used to identify the significant organisms and their bulking behaviour.

scholarly journals Phylogenetic Analysis of and Oligonucleotide Probe Development for Eikelboom Type 021N Filamentous Bacteria Isolated from Bulking Activated Sludge

2000 ◽  
Vol 66 (11) ◽  
pp. 5043-5052 ◽  
Author(s):  
Takahiro Kanagawa ◽  
Yoichi Kamagata ◽  
Shinobu Aruga ◽  
Tetsuro Kohno ◽  
Matthias Horn ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Activated Sludge ◽  
Oligonucleotide Probe ◽  
Sequence Similarity ◽  
Rdna Sequence ◽  
Filamentous Bacteria ◽  
16S Rdna Sequence ◽  
Monophyletic Cluster ◽  
16S Ribosomal Dna ◽  
In Situ Detection

ABSTRACT Fifteen filamentous strains, morphologically classified as Eikelboom type 021N bacteria, were isolated from bulking activated sludges. Based on comparative 16S ribosomal DNA (rDNA) sequence analysis, all strains form a monophyletic cluster together with all recognized Thiothrix species (88.3 to 98.7% 16S rDNA sequence similarity) within the gamma-subclass ofProteobacteria. The investigated Eikelboom type 021N isolates were subdivided into three distinct groups (I to III) demonstrating a previously unrecognized genetic diversity hidden behind the uniform morphology of the filaments. For in situ detection of these bacteria, 16S rRNA-targeted oligonucleotide probes specific for the entire Eikelboom type 021N-Thiothrix cluster and the Eikelboom type 021N groups I, II, and III, respectively, were designed, evaluated, and successfully applied in activated sludge.

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