Abstract
The activated sludge process is key in modern wastewater treatment. The microbial community composition must be stable in order to maintain the desired nutrient removal. In addition, bacterial morphology, mode of growth and extracellular polymeric substances composition determine floc size, shape and strength, which in turn influence important sludge properties. Optimal sludge properties are important for the wastewater treatment plant operation and eventually effluent quality. The aim of this study was to established the link between the microbial community structure and physico-chemical sludge characteristics and thereby provide a better understanding of the activated sludge process.
DNA-based identification of microorganisms using 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing has been proved as a reliable and reproducible method for identification and quantification studies of microbial communities in activated sludge and for the demonstration of their significance for plant operation and stability. 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing has been developed over the past few years and is now ready to use for more comprehensive studies related to plant operation and optimization thanks to short analysis time, low cost, high throughput, and high taxonomic resolution.
In this study, we found that the composition of microbial community differs between different sludge fractions and that specific bacteria are enriched in defloculated fraction (supernatant) and in the fraction loosely bound to the floc. In addition, individual bacterial types were found to correlate with the defined floc properties.
DNA-based identification of microorganisms using 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing has been proved as a reliable and reproducible method for identification and quantification studies of microbial communities in activated sludge and for the demonstration of their significance for plant operation and stability. 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing has been developed over the past few years and is now ready to use for more comprehensive studies related to plant operation and optimization thanks to short analysis time, low cost, high throughput, and high taxonomic resolution.
In this study, we found that the composition of microbial community differs between different sludge fractions and that specific bacteria are enriched in defloculated fraction (supernatant) and in the fraction loosely bound to the floc. In addition, individual bacterial types were found to correlate with the defined floc properties.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Publication date | 12 Aug 2018 |
| Publication status | Published - 12 Aug 2018 |
| Event | 17th International Symposium on Microbial Ecology: ISME17 - Leipziger Messe Exhibition and Convention Centre, Leipzig, Germany Duration: 12 Aug 2018 → 17 Aug 2018 Conference number: 17 https://isme17.isme-microbes.org/ |
Conference
| Conference | 17th International Symposium on Microbial Ecology |
|---|---|
| Number | 17 |
| Location | Leipziger Messe Exhibition and Convention Centre |
| Country/Territory | Germany |
| City | Leipzig |
| Period | 12/08/2018 → 17/08/2018 |
| Internet address |