Rapid quantification of polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) concentration in activated sludge with the fluorescent dye Nile blue A

2011 ◽  
Vol 64 (3) ◽  
pp. 747-753 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Oshiki ◽  
H. Satoh ◽  
T. Mino
Keyword(s):  
Activated Sludge ◽  
Wastewater Treatment Plants ◽  
Nile Blue ◽  
Maximum Level ◽  
Fluorescence Measurement ◽  
Batch Reactors ◽  
Floc Size ◽  
Nile Blue A ◽  
On Line ◽  
Rapid Quantification

The present study was conducted (1) to develop a rapid quantification method of polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) concentration in activated sludge by Nile blue A staining and fluorescence measurement and (2) to perform on-line monitoring of PHA concentrations in activated sludge. Activated sludge samples collected from laboratory scale sequencing batch reactors and full-scale wastewater treatment plants were stained with Nile blue A and their fluorescence intensities were determined. There was a high correlation (R2 > 0.97) between the fluorescence intensities of Nile blue A and PHA concentrations in activated sludge determined by gas chromatography. The Nile blue A staining and fluorescence measurement method allows us to determine PHA concentrations in activated sludge within only five minutes and up to 96 samples can be measured at once by using microplate reader. On-line monitoring of PHA concentrations in activated sludge was achieved by using a fluorometer equipped with a flow cell and the time point at which PHA concentration in activated sludge reached the maximum level could be identified. In addition, we examined the influence of pH, floc size and co-existing chemicals in activated sludge suspension on the fluorescence intensities of Nile blue A.

Study of factors affecting simultaneous nitrification and denitrification (SND)

1999 ◽  
Vol 39 (6) ◽  
pp. 61-68 ◽  
Author(s):  
Klangduen Pochana ◽  
Jürg Keller
Keyword(s):  
Carbon Source ◽  
Activated Sludge ◽  
Physical Phenomenon ◽  
Treatment Plant ◽  
Batch Reactors ◽  
Sequencing Batch Reactors ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
Floc Size ◽  
Sludge Flocs ◽  
Activated Sludge Systems

Experiments have been performed to gain an understanding of the conditions and processes governing the occurrence of SND in activated sludge systems. Sequencing batch reactors (SBRs) have been operated under controlled conditions using the wastewater from the first anaerobic pond in an abattoir wastewater treatment plant. Under specific circumstances, up to 95% of total nitrogen removal through SND has been found in the system. Carbon source and oxygen concentrations were found to be important process parameters. The addition of acetate as an external carbon source resulted in a significant increase of SND activity in the system. Stepwise change of DO concentration has also been observed in this study. Experiments to determine the effect of the floc size on SND have been performed in order to test the hypothesis that SND is a physical phenomenon, governed by the diffusion of oxygen into the activated sludge flocs. Initial results support this hypothesis but further experimental confirmation is still required.

scholarly journals Contribution of prokaryotes and eukaryotes to CO2 emissions in the wastewater treatment process

PeerJ ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
pp. e9325
Author(s):  
Katarzyna Jaromin-Gleń ◽  
Roman Babko ◽  
Tatiana Kuzmina ◽  
Yaroslav Danko ◽  
Grzegorz Łagód ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Wastewater Treatment ◽  
Activated Sludge ◽  
Greenhouse Effect ◽  
Wastewater Treatment Plants ◽  
Ghg Emissions ◽  
Batch Reactors ◽  
Sequencing Batch Reactors ◽  
Wastewater Treatment Process ◽  
Eukaryotic Organisms ◽  
Quantitative Contribution

Reduction of the greenhouse effect is primarily associated with the reduction of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Carbon dioxide (CO2) is one of the gases that increases the greenhouse effect - it is responsible for about half of the greenhouse effect. Significant sources of CO2 are wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) and waste management, with about 3% contribution to global emissions. CO2 is produced mainly in the aerobic stage of wastewater purification and is a consequence of activated sludge activity. Although the roles of activated sludge components in the purification process have been studied quite well, their quantitative contribution to CO2 emissions is still unknown. The emission of CO2 caused by prokaryotes and eukaryotes over the course of a year (taking into account subsequent seasons) in model sequencing batch reactors (SBR) is presented in this study. In this work, for the first time, we aimed to quantify this contribution of eukaryotic organisms to total CO2 emissions during the WWTP process. It is of the order of several or more ppm. The contribution of CO2 produced by different components of activated sludge in WWTPs can improve estimation of the emissions of GHGs in this area of human activity.

Model and Sensor Based Optimization of Nitrogen Removal at Klagshamn Wastewater Treatment Plant

1992 ◽  
Vol 26 (5-6) ◽  
pp. 1315-1323 ◽  
Author(s):  
H. Aspegren ◽  
B. Andersson ◽  
U. Nyberg ◽  
J. la C. Jansen
Keyword(s):  
Wastewater Treatment ◽  
Carbon Source ◽  
Activated Sludge ◽  
Nitrogen Removal ◽  
Wastewater Treatment Plant ◽  
Wastewater Treatment Plants ◽  
Treatment Plant ◽  
On Line ◽  
Ammonia Sensors

Optimization of wastewater treatment plants with extensive phosphorus and nitrogen removal is complicated. The Klagshamn wastewater treatment plant in Sweden is operated with pre-precipitation of phosphorus with ferric chloride and denitrification with methanol as carbon source. An activated sludge process, operated with pre-precipitation and denitrification with external carbon source in a compartmentalized plant, requires only small tank volumes but increases the need for proper operation and optimization. On-line nitrogen, ammonia, and TOC sensors are used for a day-to-day control and optimization while mathematical modelling is used for long term strategic planning. The on-line measurements are further used as the basis for the modelling. TOC and ammonia sensors at the influent clearly identify typical and extreme loading variations and nitrate measurements in the activated sludge tanks and the effluent shows the dynamics of the processes. These measurements provide a basis for model calibration. In combination low residuals of nitrogen, phosphorus and organic matter can be achieved.

Activated sludge flocculation: direct determination of the effect of calcium ions

2001 ◽  
Vol 43 (11) ◽  
pp. 75-82 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. A. Biggs ◽  
A. M. Ford ◽  
P. A. Lant
Keyword(s):  
Activated Sludge ◽  
Direct Determination ◽  
Rate Of Change ◽  
Valuable Insight ◽  
Floc Size ◽  
Sludge Flocs ◽  
On Line ◽  
Flocculation Process ◽  
Insight Into

The effect of calcium on activated sludge flocculation dynamics is investigated using a unique experimental technique. The technique allows on-line analysis of the size of activated sludge flocs during flocculation and provides valuable insight into the mechanisms of flocculation. Activated sludge samples were firstly sonicated for 3 minutes at 50W and then stirred at 100 rpm. The floc size was subsequently measured on-line using a Malvern Mastersizer/E. For concentrations of calcium less than 4 meq/L no significant increase in final floc size was observed even though an increase in the initial rate of change of floc size could be seen. Addition of calcium greater than 4 meq/L resulted in a dramatic increase in floc size. Results from this investigation support the theory that cations are involved in flocculation through cationic bridging, and will be used in ongoing investigations to model the flocculation process.

Measurement of microorganisms with PHA production capability in activated sludge and its implication in Activated Sludge Model No. 3

2002 ◽  
Vol 45 (6) ◽  
pp. 107-113 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. Hanada ◽  
H. Satoh ◽  
T. Mino
Keyword(s):  
Activated Sludge ◽  
Environmental Conditions ◽  
Nile Blue ◽  
Activated Sludge Model ◽  
Nile Blue A ◽  
Production Capability ◽  
Heterotrophic Microorganisms ◽  
Storage Rate ◽  
Pha Production ◽  
Dual Staining

In Activated Sludge Model No.3 (ASM3), it is hypothesized that all heterotrophic microorganisms (XH) can store substrate. However, in reality, both microorganisms with and without substrate storage capability (XH/STO and XH/S, respectively) could exist. If the ratio of XH/STO in activated sludge is influenced by operational and environmental conditions, kSTO (storage rate constant of heterotrophic microorganisms which is defined in ASM3) may not be a universal parameter and can change from case to case. In this study, polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) is assumed as the principal storage product, and the ratio of microorganisms with PHA production capability (XH/PHA) in various activated sludges was estimated by the dual staining of Nile Blue A (NB) and DAPI. It was shown that the ratio of XH/PHA in sludge varied among different municipal and laboratory activated sludges.

Early warning-system for operation-failures in biological stages of WWTPs by on-line image analysis

2002 ◽  
Vol 46 (4-5) ◽  
pp. 117-124 ◽  
Author(s):  
W. Heine ◽  
I. Sekoulov ◽  
H. Burkhardt ◽  
L. Bergen ◽  
J. Behrendt
Keyword(s):  
Wastewater Treatment ◽  
Activated Sludge ◽  
Wastewater Treatment Plants ◽  
Biological Parameter ◽  
Chemical Parameters ◽  
Floc Size ◽  
Sludge Flocs ◽  
Operation Conditions ◽  
Physico Chemical ◽  
Microscopic Picture

By the observation and evaluation of the microscopic picture of activated sludge samples it is possible to introduce another biological parameter additional to conventional physico-chemical parameters for the control of biological stages of waste water treatment plants. Considering the fact that parameters like floc size and floc size distribution, structure of the flocs (compact/open), shape of the flocs (round/irregular) allow perceptions of the adjusted operation conditions of the biological stages, evidence for changing operation conditions or threatening operation disturbances can be recognised. This recognition takes place at a very early phase, because the morphology of activated sludge flocs reacts very fast to changing conditions. An automatic image analysis of activated sludge floc pictures would enable the introduction of a new sum parameter to enhance operation control of aeration tanks. By a statistical evaluation of the processed sludge images several parameters can be used to describe the alteration of activated sludge flocs characteristics. With these biological parameters it is possible to detect altered operation conditions or threatening or existing operation problems at an early phase. Thus it is possible to plan suitable countermeasures. Furthermore, the microscopic picture is the only parameter, that gives important information about the structure of the activated sludge flocs and the biozenosis. In comparison with the mainly used physico-chemical parameters, that just give information about the inlet and outlet of the wastewater treatment plants, the microscopic picture is the only parameter that gives information about the biology of the wastewater treatment process. By means of this biological parameter an improved control and regulation of the biological stages of wastewater treatment plants can be obtained.

scholarly journals Influence of road salt thawing peaks on the inflow composition and activated sludge properties in municipal wastewater treatment

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. Tauber ◽  
B. Flesch ◽  
V. Parravicini ◽  
K. Svardal ◽  
J. Krampe
Keyword(s):  
Wastewater Treatment ◽  
Activated Sludge ◽  
Municipal Wastewater ◽  
Wastewater Treatment Plants ◽  
Road Salt ◽  
Volume Index ◽  
Municipal Wastewater Treatment ◽  
Floc Size ◽  
Floc Structure ◽  
Autotrophic Biomass

Abstract Operational data over 2 years from three large Austrian wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) with design capacities of 4 million, 950,000 and 110,000 population equivalent (PE) were examined. Salt peaks, due to thawing road salt were detected and quantified by electrical conductivity, temperature and chloride measurement in the inflow of the WWTPs. Daily NaCl inflow loads up to 1,147 t/d and PE-specific loads of 0.26–0.5 kg NaCl/(PE · y) were found. To mimic the plants' behaviour in a controlled environment, NaCl was dosed into the inflow of a laboratory-scale activated sludge plant. The influence of salt peaks on important activated sludge parameters such as sludge volume index, settling velocity and floc size were investigated. Influent and effluent were sampled extensively to calculate removal rates. Respiration measurements were performed to quantify activated sludge activity. Particle size distributions of the activated sludge floc sizes were measured using laser diffraction particle sizing and showed a decrease of the floc size by approximately two-thirds. The floc structure was examined and documented using light microscopy. At salt concentrations below 1 g/L, increased respiration was found for autotrophic biomass, and between 1 and 3 g NaCl/L respiration was inhibited by up to 30%.

The use of an on-line respirometer for the screening of toxicity in the antwerp WWTP catchment area

1998 ◽  
Vol 37 (12) ◽  
pp. 213-218 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. Geenens ◽  
C. Thoeye
Keyword(s):  
Activated Sludge ◽  
Wastewater Treatment Plants ◽  
Nitrification Inhibition ◽  
Environmental Legislation ◽  
Sewer System ◽  
Total Phosphorous ◽  
Wwtp Effluent ◽  
Pilot Work ◽  
On Line ◽  
Activated Sludge Processes

Following the new European and Flemish environmental legislation most of the existing Flemish wastewater treatment plants (WWTP) have to be adapted to achieve nutrient removal. The Antwerp WWTP Deurne-Schijnpoort (230,000 PE) is to be renovated to achieve a 10 mg/l total nitrogen and a 1 mg/l total phosphorous effluent consent. Six months of intensive pilot work at this plant has shown total nitrification inhibition of one- stage activated sludge processes. A mobile on-line respirometer was installed to monitor the activated sludge inhibition at the WWTP. Toxicity resulting in a substantial deterioration of the WWTP effluent was observed. Industrial discharges and main junctions in the sewer system were sampled for specific monitoring. An industrial source of inhibition could be pinpointed. Full-scale operating experiences with the respirometer during the measurements are reported.

PHA-accumulating microorganisms in full-scale wastewater treatment plants

2008 ◽  
Vol 58 (1) ◽  
pp. 13-20 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mamoru Oshiki ◽  
Hiroyasu Satoh ◽  
Takashi Mino ◽  
Motoharu Onuki
Keyword(s):  
Activated Sludge ◽  
Staining Method ◽  
Wastewater Treatment Plants ◽  
Nile Blue ◽  
Buoyant Density ◽  
Full Scale ◽  
Oligonucleotide Probes ◽  
Microbial Groups ◽  
Activated Sludge Processes ◽  
Bacterial Groups

A study was conducted to clarify phylogenetic affiliations of polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA)-accumulating microorganisms in full-scale activated sludge processes. Activated sludge samples obtained from three full-scale activated sludge processes were aerobically incubated with excess acetate to increase their PHA content. The buoyant density separation method was applied to selectively collect PHA-accumulating cells, which were then analysed by the group-level FISH and the PCR-DGGE-sequencing methods, and possible PHA-accumulating microbial groups were screened. A set of oligonucleotide probes targeting the microbial groups suspected to accumulate PHA was introduced, and seven oligonucleotide probes were newly designed for this purpose. PHA accumulation of probe-positive cells was confirmed by the post-FISH PHA staining method, wherein PHA staining with Nile Blue A (NBA) was applied after FISH. As a result, the following seven bacterial groups were found to have PHA: Dechloromonas, Accumulibacter, Thauera, Zoogloea, Comamonas, Competibacter and a novel cluster in Beta-proteobacteria. Based on the results of the post-FISH PHA staining method, these seven bacterial groups were estimated to account for around four-tenths to two-thirds of total PHA-accumulating microorganisms.

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