Activated sludge

wastewater treatment
processes and control of
foam formation
sd / March 12, 2014

Abstract: activated sludge aeration tank serious bubble phenomenon is a common

problem, mainly due to Nocardioform actinomycetes and Microthrix parvicella
abnormal growth caused by the genus. Microbial cell surface hydrophobicity
(CSH), sludge retention time (SRT), pH value, dissolved oxygen (DO) is such an
important factor in the growth of filamentous bacteria. Foam control methods are
spraying water, adding chemicals, reducing the mean cell residence time,
adjusting the pH effluent, additional biological selector, a continuous packing
reactors.
Keywords: activated sludge foam Nocardioform actinomycetes; Microthrix
parvicella Formation and Control
0 Introduction
currently , the worldwide most urban sewage treatment plant using activated
sludge treatment process. One common problem is that aeration pool surfaces
often produce serious bubble, a lot of foam to make aeration pool surface is
covered, if the overflow from the pool will cause the external device and the
external wall of the pollution, seriously affecting the surrounding environment, to
WWTP operation and management brought difficulties, but also resorted to water
quality deterioration. According to the survey of domestic sewage treatment
plant, most of them to varying degrees by the impact of the foam problem,
especially the use of delay aeration Process wastewater treatment plant even
more so.
1 foam formation
activated sludge process, the formation of foam generally have the following
forms, including craft foam formed during the initial run, denitrification blistering,
surface foaming surfactant and bio foam [1]. Bio foam viscosity, was brown, with
a stable, sustained, difficult to control features.

1.1 processes run early formation of foam

aeration pool starts operation, specific Surfactants some degradation of organic
matter to form the foam, and to the rapid growth of the bubble. These foams are
generally white and light, when the activated sludge reaches maturity disappear.
1.2 denitrification blistering
Since the secondary settling tank or aeration deficiencies denitrification occurs, so
that tiny bubbles of nitrogen released, so that the sludge density decreases,
beneficial to its float, bubble phenomenon. This phenomenon is evident in the
performance of the secondary settling tank, and the resulting suspension foam is
usually unstable.
1.3 surfactant foaming
sewage surfactant and starch, protein, fat and other surface active substances
have shown in molecular structure containing polar non-polar group called
amphiphiles in aeration conditions, the non-polar group at one end into the
bubble, but polar group is selectively adsorbed by the hydrophilic material, so that
the hydrophilic surface of the material is converted into a hydrophobic material
and the water film adhering to the air bubbles, together with the bubbles float to
the surface.
various suspended solids matter if mixed with surfactant foam produced in the
presence of these substances alone and not foam, but make foam stability. Such
as pulp and paper industry in the fine, fibrous food industry and so on. In addition,
such as sodium chloride, sodium sulfate, aluminum sulfate aqueous solution of
salts, there is almost no foam alone, but also contribute to the stability of the
foam, the foam will not go away, as shown in FIG 1, 2 [2] .
pure water bubbles in Figure 1 Figure 2 Figure 3 surface water mixed with water
mixed with a surfactant
activity agent bubbles bubbles and suspended matter
Figure 1. A foam in Figure 2. A foam in water with Figure 3. A foam in water with
surface
pure water surface active agents active agents and suspended substances
1.4 bio foam

now generally believed that the main reason for the formation of bio-foam is:
under the influence of various factors, resulting in filamentous microorganisms
such as bacteria and actinomycetes of the abnormal growth of filamentous
bacteria is higher than the specific growth rate of floc bacteria, filamentous
bacteria and the large specific surface area, therefore, filamentous bacteria to
obtain substances and oxidation effluent BOD5 BOD5 material aspects than
oxygen needed zoogloea bacteria much more favorable results aeration tank
filamentous bacteria become the dominant species and a large number of valueadded, resulting in the production of bio-foam. These microorganisms were tested
together with a large filamentous or branched, easy to form a network that can
capture sweeping particles and bubbles and float to the surface. Bubble
surrounded by the screen, increasing its surface tension, the bubble is broken, the
more stable foam. In addition, the role of aeration bubbles of air flotation foam
formation is the main motivating factors.
study found that the foam-related biological genus mainly Nocardioform
actinomycetes (actinomycetes) and Microthrix parvicella (filamentous bacteria),
etc., shown in Figure 4, the former mostly in the summer, the latter mostly in the
winter [3]. Linda L.Blackall by measuring Microthrix parvicella other filamentous
fungi such as 16S rDNA sequences of the major causes of biological foam
filamentous bacteria were isolated and identified and classification [4], as shown
in Table 1. Microthrix parvicella is to generate the most important species of
biological foam, its 16S rDNA sequence information confirms Microthrix parvicell
also an actinomycete, by electron microscopy, the cell wall of Gram-positive
bacteria have has the typical surface, showing both single material layer;
Eikelboom Type0092, Eikelboom Type0411 and Eikelboom Type1863 filamentous
bacteria Gram stain was negative, 16S rDNA sequence information indicates that
all three belong to the Flexibacter-Cytophaga-Bacteroides; Eikelboom Type0803 is
a class Proteobacteria, Williams and Unz that based on morphology Learning
Standards difficult to distinguish Microthrix parvicell and Eikelboom Type0803, but
the sequence information indicates that in fact there is no relationship between
the two, Eikelboom Type0803 filamentous bacteria with each of the above are not
very similar.
DBOerther such as the use of low-(poly) nucleotide detection technology, hybrid
antibodies coloring cultivation and other methods of biological foam Gordonia spp.
Etc. filamentous microorganisms were quantitatively analyzed. The results
showed that, Gordonia spp. Such activity and the number of cells increases and
the overall level of activity and the number of microbial community level, and the
formation of foam during the biological, Gordonia spp. Such filamentous
microorganisms their physical properties than cell metabolism active role to be
large [5].

Figure 4 Nocardia amarae and Microthrix parvicella [6]

Figure 4. Nocardia amarae and Microthrix parvicella [6]
studies show that filamentous bacteria microbial cell surface hydrophobicity or
hydrophobic (cell surface hydrophobicity, CSH ) is the formation of bio-foam and
stabilize the important reasons. Helen Stratton (1998) and so isolated from the
biological foam nocardiform and Rhodococcus rhodochrous other bacteria, fungal
acid on the cell surface component (mycolic acid content),
Table 1 with the main bubble formation genus
Table 1. Main bacteria involved in foams forming
No Name gram of bacteria species and morphology 1 Nocardia amarae G+ actinomycetes
(actinomycete), Twiggy mycelium 2 Nocardia pinesis G+ actinomycetes, pine-like 3
Rhodococcus sp. G+ actinomycetes, branched hyphae 4 Microthrix parvicella G+ filamentous
bacteria (filament), no sheath unbranched, filamentous 5 Eikelboom Type0092 G-FCB doors,
filamentous bacteria 6 Eikelboom Type0411 G-FCB doors, filamentous bacteria 7 Eikelboom
Type1863 G-FCB doors, class Proteobacteria, filamentous bacteria 8 Eikelboom Type0803 GFCB doors, class Proteobacteria, filamentous bacteria
Note: FCB gate means Flexibacter-Cytophaga-Bacteroides phylum.
and cell surface hydrophobicity (CSH) and the ability to form a stable foam
biological study the relationship between the results showed that: the formation
of mold acid bacteria are not components of CSH The only reason, CSH nor
generate bio-foam and stabilize the only factor. CSH with microbial culture period,
and other conditions, such as growth temperature, changes in carbon source
changes; Rhodococcus rhodochrous bacteria composition will mycophenolic acid
as the culture period, temperature and the change of the carbon source and other
conditions change; nocardiform mycophenolate acid bacteria cell surface
component has little effect on its CSH [7].
D.Mamais (1998) such that the long-chain fatty acids (slowly biodegradable COD)
and low-temperature environment denitrification in activated sludge systems
Microthrix parvicella the main reason for the growth, easy to remove floc-forming
bacteria biodegradable COD in the process will not affect the growth of Microthrix
parvicella, long-chain fatty acids are removed amount (Removal) and Microthrix
parvicella inversely proportional amount of growth [8]; sludge retention time
(SRT), pH values are also influence biological bubble. Long sludge retention time
conducive Microthrix parvicella growth of microorganisms such as filamentous
bacteria, which is more likely to cause delay biological aeration bubbles causes. In
addition, dissolved oxygen (DO), and aeration mode, etc. is also an important
factor to generate foam. As shown in Table 2.

Table 2 dominant filamentous bacteria associated with the condition [9]

Table 2. Conditions being related to predominant filamentous bacteria
generate conditions silk like Species in the low DO Microthrix parvicella, S. Natans, 1701 low
F / M Microthrix parvicella, 0041,0092 completely mixed bioreactor H. Hydrossis, Nocardia
spp., 021N, 1851,1701 septic waste / sulfide Beggiatoa, Thiothrix spp., 0914 undernourished
S. Natans, Thiothrix spp., 021N; may have H. Hydrossis, 0041 low pH control of fungal
bacteria 2
foam bubble formation mechanism based on its influencing factors can be
physical chemistry and biological control method of foams. Especially biological
control foam bubbles are actually not eliminate Microthrix parvicella other
bacteria produce, the main way is to create a suitable aeration system abnormal
growth of filamentous bacteria environment in the activated sludge inhibiting
excessive proliferation, silk like bacteria and floc-forming bacteria to maintain a
balanced ratio of growth.
2.1 physical and chemical methods to control foam
spraying water
spraying water or water droplets can break bubbles floating in the water in order
to reduce foam. But you can not simply eliminate the bubble phenomenon is one
of the most common physical easiest way.
dosing chemicals
cationic polyacrylamide (acrylamide-based cationic polymer) is a commonly used
defoamers, engineering examples, the cationic polyacrylamide dosing at the inlet
of the secondary settling tank, which both inhibit the growth of the role
Nocardioform actinomycetes, but also through the return sludge into the aeration
tank to eliminate sewage surfactants and surfactant polar the role of non-polar
characteristics. Since the presence of these two points, a large number of new
stable foam is difficult to generate, and the foam layer on the surface of the water
turbulence, bubbles continuously broken by the shearing force, the surface of
water as continuous evaporation of the water film bubble, the bubble continuously
crushing the foam layer also gradually disappear [10].
low concentration of H2O2 is a more commonly used to eliminate foam agent in
the activated sludge dosing when dosing low concentrations of H2O2, the
concentration sufficient to kill the extensor surface zoogloea out of the
filamentous bacteria, only some biological oxidation residues and eliminate
metabolic processes occurring toxins, purify Zoogloea environment for bacterial
growth, and promote the advantages zoogloea bacteria growth, so zoogloea

bacteria and filamentous bacteria growth reached a new equilibrium, so as to

achieve the purpose of controlling biological foam and water quality does not
deteriorate. H2O2 should in return sludge dosing, dosing concentration of 20 ~
25mg H2O2 / (kg MLSS) [11].
Yongwoo Hwang and other sewage plants through observation, laboratory tests
and field applications, the foam is found in sewage typical seasonal occur, the
regulation of metabolism and kinetics are not very successful in suppressing
Microthrix parvicella overgrowth and foam generation, through the chlorine,
cationic polyacrylamide comparison of two chemical agents, in addition to
filamentous bacteria found polyquaternary ammonium hydroxide (quaternary
ammonium-based anti-filament polymer, AFP) is one of the most effective
physical Microthrix parvicella chemical methods to suppress excessive
proliferation, can effectively control the foam did not bring about changes in water
quality are given [12].
Further, such as chlorine, ozone, and chlorinated polyethylene glycol pickling iron
and copper mixed with strong oxidizing agents etc., but also can be used as
defoamer.
2.2 biological methods to control foam
lower mean cell residence time
lower mean cell residence time is a very effective method of controlling foam,
namely the use of real silk like bacteria mean generation time is longer in the
characteristics of floc-forming bacteria, inhibit excessive proliferation of
filamentous bacteria, mean cell residence time is shorter, less filamentous fungus,
the less foam.
adjusting the pH effluent
study, the most suitable pH of the growth of Nocardia amarae 7.8, most suitable
for the growth of Microthrix parvicella pH of 7.7 to 8.0, the pH value is from 7.0
down to 5.0 to 5.6, can effectively control the excessive growth of these
organisms, reduced foam formation [13].
reduce aeration air input rate
reduces the aeration air input rate, one can reduce the aeration tank stripping
strength, slowing floating filamentous bacteria speed; second is to reduce the
concentration of dissolved oxygen in the aeration tank, Nocardia amarae is strictly
aerobic bacteria in anoxic or anaerobic conditions, difficult to grow, but Microthrix
parvicella able to endure the lack of oxygen state. Furthermore, reducing the

amount of aeration air input also a corresponding reduction of the formation of

microbubbles, a reduction of filamentous bacteria and actinomycetes floating
body of the carrier, thereby delaying the formation of foam.
reflux anaerobic digester supernatant
tests showed that anaerobic digester supernatant genus Rhodococcus
rhodochrous can inhibit the growth of anaerobic digester supernatant back to the
exposure The method of the gas tank, aeration tank, the surface can also control
the formation of foam. However, due to the anaerobic digester supernatant
containing high concentrations of substrates and aerobic ammonia, which will
affect water quality, and should therefore be used with caution.
additional biological selector
organisms are aerobic selector selector selector and hypoxia are two, its purpose
is to make into the aeration tank of sewage sludge prior to reflow in which the
mixing, by adjusting the F / M, DO and other factors, the development of selective
floc-forming bacteria, inhibit excessive proliferation of filamentous bacteria. In the
design of the selector, the selector requires sub-grid settings, and more generally
with 4 to 6 grid; maximize selector first grid F / M value, the formation of F / M
gradient; also controls the selector hydraulic retention time, usually 10 to 15
minutes. Another study showed that: aerobic selector can be controlled to some
extent Microthrix parvicella, but no major impact on the genus Nocardia; while
anoxic selector control action for a genus Nocardia, but then Microthrix parvicella
without much effect [14] .
filler using a continuous reactor
D.Mamais (1998), also finds no evidence that the anaerobic and anoxic selector
can be absolutely successful spread and control Microthrix parvicella proliferation,
continuous flow and sequencing batch experiments showed that the growth
control Microthrix parvicella the best way is to use a continuous flow reactor
packing, for two reasons: First, the use of floc-forming bacteria high adsorption
capacity to remove a large number of slow-biodegradable COD; Second, to avoid
hydrolysis of colloidal material diffusion of soluble products [8].
3 field examples
Beijing Capital Airport in building a sewage treatment plant type anoxic aerobic
activated sludge process (A / O). Wastewater treatment plant effluent mainly from
aviation work and living areas, hotels and the surrounding living quarters,
processing capacity is 20000m3 / d, its process shown in Figure 3.

2004 Nian 2 February 14 to February 17 period, aeration tank surface in a serious

bubble began to take to the aeration tank
water sprayed on the surface of the measures, but the defoaming effect is not
ideal. February 18, taken to reduce the intensity of aeration air input measures
and the secondary settling tank into the water in the dosing of about 25L (0.5mg /
L) of cationic polyacrylamide solution, continuous dosing seven days, observed
daily and recorded as a foam covering the percentage of the aeration tank, shown
in Figure 4. Start adding the foam coverage has reached 90%, 20 February bubble
coverage dropped to 70 percent, to 24 February coverage dropped to 12%, then
stabilized at 10%.
Figure 4 aeration tank foam coverage with dosing time variation of cationic
polyacrylamide relationship
Figure 4. Variation relationship between bestrewing rate of foams in aeration pool
and
adding time of acrylamide-based cationic polymer
4 Conclusion
activated sludge process conditions and mechanism of bubble remains
controversial, but the current study suggests that, mainly due to the genus
Nocardia and Microthrix parvicella abnormal growth, and its specific growth rate
higher than the floc floc-forming bacteria caused by the specific growth rate ,
Nocardia spp Microthrix parvicella and highly hydrophobic cell surface, migrate
and remain in the bubble surface, thus the bubble stability. Foaming phenomenon
with air water interface concentration of hydrophobic compounds.
foams are mainly the physical and biochemical methods, by adding chemicals to
change the chemical nature of the surface of bacterial cells is still a common
method of controlling the bubble generation, and the widely used fungicide
common negative role, because excessive or improper dosing position, will be a
substantial reduction reaction cell floc-forming bacteria and the number of total
biomass.
short, the current dosing chemicals commonly used method is only a stopgap
measure rather than simply solving approach, therefore, also through a deeper
and more practical biological methods of research, to find a more reasonable and
effective , more economical methods for the control of the genus Nocardia and
Microthrix parvicella growth and the formation of foam, to ensure the normal
activated sludge process and efficient operation.

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