Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: http://hdl.handle.net/1959.3/232474

Title

Characterisation of enhanced biological phosphorus removal activated sludges with dissimilar phosphorus removal performances

Author(s)

Bond, Philip L.;  Keller, Juerg;  Blackall, Linda L.

Abstract

A sequencing batch reactor (SBR) was operated for enhanced biological phosphorus removal (EBPR) and dramatic differences in the P removing capabilities were obtained in different stages of the operation. At one stage extremely poor P removal occurred and it appeared that bacteria inhibiting P removal overwhelmed the reactor performance. Changes were made to the reactor operation and these led to the development of a sludge with high P removing capability. This latter sludge was analysed by fluorescent in situ hybridisation (FISH) using a probe specific for Acinetobacter. Very few cells were detected with this probe indicating that Acinetobacter played an insignificant role in the P removal occurring here. Analysis of the chemical transformations of three sludges supported the biochemical pathways proposed for EBPR and non-EBPR systems in biological models. A change in operation that led to the improved P removal performance included permitting the pH to rise in the anaerobic periods of the SBR cycle.

Publication type

Journal article

Source

Water Science and Technology: incorporating Proceedings of the 2nd International Conference on Microorganisms in Activated Sludge and Biofilm Processes, Berkeley, California, United States, 21-23 July 1997, Vol. 37, no. 4-5 (1998), pp. 567-571

Publication year

1998

Keyword(s)

Acinetobacter;  Activated sludge;  Bacterium;  Bioreactors;  EBPR model;  Enhanced biological phosphorus removal;  Fluorescence in situ hybridization;  pH;  Phosphates

Publisher

IWA Publishing

ISSN

0273-1223

Publisher URL

http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/s0273-1223(98)00161-9

Copyright

Copyright © 1998 International Association on Water Quality. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Peer reviewed