The Microbiology Of Activated Sludge

Microbial Ecology of Activated Sludge, written for both microbiologists and engineers, critically reviews our current understanding of the microbiology of activated sludge, the most commonly used process for treating both domestic and industrial wastes. The contributors are all internationally recognized as leading research workers in activated sludge microbiology, and all have made valuable contributions to our present understanding of the process. The book pays particular attention to how the application of molecular methods has changed our perceptions of the identity of the filamentous bacteria causing the operational disorders of bulking and foaming, and the bacteria responsible for nitrification and denitrification and phosphorus accumulation in nutrient removal processes. Special attention is given to how it is now becoming possible to relate the composition of the community of microbes present in activated sludge, and the in situ function of individual populations there, and how such information might be used to manage and control these systems better. Detailed descriptions of some of these molecular methods are provided to allow newcomers to this field of study an opportunity to apply them in their research. Comprehensive descriptions of organisms of interest and importance are also given, together with high quality photos of activated sludge microbes. Activated sludge processes have been used globally for nearly 100 years, and yet we still know very little of how they work. In the past 15 years the advent of molecular culture independent methods of study have provided tools enabling microbiologists to understand which organisms are present in activated sludge, and critically, what they might be doing there. Microbial Ecology of Activated Sludge will be the first book available to deal comprehensively with the very exciting new information from applying these methods, and their impact on how we now view microbiologically mediated processes taking place there. As such it will be essential reading for microbial ecologists, environmental biotechnologists and engineers involved in designing and managing these plants. It will also be suitable for postgraduate students working in this field.

This book has been a long time in preparation. Initially it grew out of our frustrating attempts over the past ten years to identify the filamentous bacteria seen in large numbers in most activated sludge plants, and the realization that we know very little about them and the other microbial populations in these systems. Unfortunately this book does not provide many answers to the problems these filamentous bacteria can cause, but we hope it might encourage microbiologists and engineers to communi cate more with each other and to spend some time trying to understand the tax onomy, ecology and physiology of activated sludge microbes. It is now very timely, for example, to try to provide these filamentous bacteria with proper taxonomically valid names and to determine their correct place in bacterial classifications. This book is not meant to compete directly with the books by Gray (1989, 1990) nor the excellent manual published by Jenkins and coworkers (1993b), which has been invaluable to us and others trying to identify filamentous bacteria. Wanner's book (1994a) also provides an excellent account of the problems of bulking and foaming caused by filamentous bacteria. These publications and others by Eikelboom's group have made an enormous contribution to the study of filamentous bacteria, and will con tinue to do so.

Wastewater Microbiology focuses on microbial contaminants found in wastewater, methods of detection for these contaminants, and methods of cleansing water of microbial contamination. This classic reference has now been updated to focus more exclusively on issues particular to wastewater, with new information on fecal contamination and new molecular methods. The book features new methods to determine cell viability/activity in environmental samples; a new section on bacterial spores as indicators; new information covering disinfection byproducts, UV disinfection, and photoreactivation; and much more. A PowerPoint of figures from the book is available at ftp://ftp.wiley.com/public/sci_tech_med/wastewater_microbiology.

This book provides a very basic overview of microorganisms relevant to wastewater treatment plant operator. It easy-to-understand language it provides explanations and descriptions of helpful and harmful bacteria, protozoa, and metazoa, algae, and fungus -- and their specialized function in the treatment process, helping the operator to effectively manage the Plant bacterial process. Color photos and illustrations are included within the book and on the supplemental CD-ROM for quick identification under the microscope.

Activated Sludge Separation Problems: Theory, Control Measures, Practical Experiences, Second Edition, describes the most common activated sludge separation problems and explains the main reasons for the growth of the different filamentous microorganisms in activated sludge. The book summarizes the identification techniques for important groups of activated sludge microorganisms both based on conventional microscopic analysis and using the biological molecular tools available today (FISH and PCR). This new edition, with 70% new and updated material, also provides explanation of basic activated sludge process principles and of parameters necessary for process control and operation. The theory of secondary clarifies is described to the extent necessary for understanding the construction and operation of secondary clarifiers. The activated sludge reactor and secondary clarifies are treated as one system and the interactions are explained. The wide range of experiences around the world is documented and the methods to avoid the proliferation of these organisms are presented and critically reviewed. Activated Sludge Separation Problems consists of six chapters, presenting up-to-date technical and scientific aspects of these processes. The new edition also features an extended list of literature references for further reading. The book will be a valuable help for students of environmental engineering, wastewater specialists, plant operators and designers of activated sludge plants. It is also useful for specialists in wastewater operation laboratories, especially for those studying activated sludge separation properties.

This new expanded edition of Microbiology for Water/Wastewater Operators augments previous information and emphasizes the new world order of water control based on microbiological principles and practices. Microbiology for Water/Wastewater Operators... * Explains microbes that threaten health * Links microbes to operator activities and collection procedures * Covers giardia and cryptosporidia * Useful for understanding organisms in activated sludge User-friendly and understandable, Microbiology for Water/Wastewater Operators provides operators with need to know information about microbiology fundamentals and applications. This new resource is also a basic study tool by water/wastewater personnel preparing for their licensing examinations, or as a supplemental text in undergraduate or graduate courses in aquatic ecology, water/wastewater pollution control and in environmental science courses dealing with water biology. Microbiology for Water/Wastewater Operators is . . . * What operators need to know about microbiology fundamentals and applications * User-friendly, understandable-assumes no special prior knowledge * A troubleshooting handbook for activated sludge system personnel * A study guide for water/wastewater licensing exams

Nitrification and Denitrification in the Activated Sludge Process, the first in a series on the microbiology of wastewater treatment, comprises the critical topics of cost-effective operation, permit compliance, process control, and troubleshooting in wastewater treatment plants. Avoiding the technical jargon, chemical equations, and kinetics that typically accompany such texts, Nitrification and Denitrification in the Activated Sludge Process directly addresses plant operators and technicians, providing necessary information for understanding the microbiology and biological conditions that occur in the treatment process. Of special interest to wastewater treatment plant operators are the bacteria that degrade nitrogenous wastes–the nitrifying bacteria–and the bacteria that degrade carbonaceous wastes–the cBOD-removing bacteria. Both groups of bacteria need to be routinely monitored and operational conditions favorably adjusted to ensure desired nitrification. Each chapter in this groundbreaking study offers a better understanding of the importance of nitrification and denitrification and the bacteria involved in these crucial processes. Chapters include: Organotrophs The Wastewater Nitrogen Cycle Nitrite Ion Accumulation Dissolved Oxygen Denitrifying Bacteria Gaseous End Products Free Molecular Oxygen The Occurrence of Denitrification

The activated sludge process is the most versatile, commonly used wastewater treatment system in North America; however, many activated sludge processes frequently experience operational problems related to poor compaction or settleability of secondary solids and loss of secondary solids from the clarifier. Eschewing the technical jargon and copious chemical equations found in the majority of wastewater studies, Settleability Problems and Loss of Solids in the Activated Sludge Process speaks directly to plant operators, showing them how to identify and solve common problems and achieve maximum efficiency. Michael H. Gerardi’s hands-on guide addresses the most common plant operational problems, such as increased costs, loss of treatment efficiency, and permit violations. Using numerous tables and illustrations, Settleability Problems provides microscopic and analytical techniques for troubleshooting and identifying the conditions responsible for settleability problems and loss of solids. It includes pictures of wet mounts and smears of acceptable and unacceptable microscopic conditions of the activated sludge and presents corrective measures for operational problems. Chapters include: Undesired Filamentous Growth Nutrient-Deficient Floc Particles Denitrification Slug Discharge of Soluble cBOD Viscous Bulking or Zoogloeal Growth Production and Accumulation of Foam and Scum Volume II in the series, Settleability Problems will prove to be of unparalleled value to wastewater treatment plant operators as well as students of wastewater microbiology.