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INTRODUCTION OF ACTIVATED SLUDGE

Biological Treatment Process:Use of Microorganisms to break down the organic matter in wastewater Organic Matter
O2

CO2 + H2O + Energy + New Biomass

Suspended-Growth mechanisms mechanisms:This process maintain a culture of organisms in suspension of wastewater liquid, either by vigorously aerating the liquid or by mechanical mixing. Aerobic Bacteria grow and form particles that clump together.
These particles (flocs) are allowed to settle to the bottom of the clarifier, leaving a relatively clear liquid free of organic material and suspended solids after aeration process.

Microorganisms in Activated Sludge

BACTERIA
Composition:- C60H87O23N12P Characteristic:Ability to flocculate to form floc and their separation from the liquid phase for complete stabilization.

Removal of organic matter from wastewater is carried out through 2 process:1.

Biological Oxidation / Respiration

COHNS + 02 + BACTERIA CO2 + H2O + ENERGY + others

2.

Biosynthesis
COHNS + O2 + BACTERIA C5H7NO2 (New Cells)

Examples:Zooglea, Bacillius spp. , Pseudomonas, Flavobacterium, Alcaligenes, Acinetobacter

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GROWTH OF BACTERIA -

HIGH LEVEL OF FOOD

When abundance of food is available

Bacteria are grow, motile, & extremely active They are multiply rapidly.
Bacteria will not flocculate and settle as long as they are growing at a lag phase.

Biosynthesis (new cell) ; Respiration (energy)

Activated Sludge with a poor settling properties

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GROWTH OF BACTERIA -

LOW LEVEL OF FOOD

When low level of food is available

The bacteria begin to conserve energy & become nonmotile form

They begin to form a thick outer slime layer. As they bump into each other, they stick together.
At first they form small clumps then masses large enough to settle Autoagglutination process

Biosynthesis (new cell) Respiration (energy)

Activated Sludge with a good settling properties 7

FILAMENTOUS BACTERIA
Characteristic:Filaments do not have the same flocculating characteristics as the bacteria which do not compact to a readily settleable mass.

Roles:1.

BOD/COD removal

2.

Add a backbone for strengthen purpose to the floc structure

Examples of Filaments:S. natans, Nocardia, Beggiatoa

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When filaments abundant in activated sludge:Foaming

Predominate over the bacteria when:1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Low Dissolve Oxygen Low pH Low Nutrients F/M ratio not stable High level of Oil & Grease
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PROTOZOA
Roles:Removing & digesting free-swimming dispersed bacteria and other suspended particles. This improves the clarity of the effluent

Biological Indicator of the activated sludge condition:Strict Aerobes More sensitive to toxic organic compound

Examples:1. 2. 3.

Ciliates (Opercularia, Carchesium polypinum ) Amoebae (Arcella,Euglypha) Flagellates (Peranema )

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PROTOZOA -

AMOEBAE

Food:They feed on small organic particulates

When abundant present in Activated sludge:Plant start-up. A shock load of BOD / large amount of organic particulates has entered the treatment system
They move slowly & cannot compete with bacteria / protozoa for food. Sudden increase in food allows them to compete & multiply They required less O2 & able to compete with other protozoa when the O2 is limited.

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PROTOZOA -

STALKED CILIATE
Stalk

Food:They feed on suspended bacteria, algae & smaller protozoa

Stalked Ciliate dominance in the system when:-

Bacterial population and dissolved oxygen concentration of the treatment process are high A mature floc structure has developed They indicate a stable wastewater environment & a healthy activated sludge

Examples:-

1. Carchesium sp. 2. Suctorian

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PROTOZOA -

CRAWLING CILIATES

Food:They feed on suspended bacteria, algae & smaller protozoa

Characteristic:They are free forms, inhabit the surface of sludge flocs or biofilm

They dominance in the system when:After most soluble nutrients have been removed which are reflect a stable wastewater environment & healthy activated sludge
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METAZOA
They are multicellular organisms & include all animals except the protozoa Roles:Feed on bacteria, bacteria floc, fungi, protozoa & rotifer

Examples:Nematode worms (Genus Aelosoma, Rhabditis) Rotifers Tartigrades (water bear)

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METAZOA -

ROTIFER

Roles:Feed on good, stabilized floc; They graze on the floc structure and increase oxygen penetration As environmental indicator due to they are usually the first to be affected by a toxic load.

When abundant present in activated sludge:Old sludge age with high MLSS Low F/M ratio

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EVALUATION OF ACTIVATED SLUDGE

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Bacteria Testing Report

Lab Lab Testing Testing

Routine Microscopic Examination

Microscopic Microscopic Examination Examination

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Sludge Carry Over

BAD smell

Big & Compact Floc? Small & Pin Floc Condiction? Dispersed Growth?

Foaming ?!!!
High COD & TSS of Discharge water

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Protozoa?

Filaments?

Rotifer?

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Secondary Clarifier

Final Discharged
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Booth L220
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