Survey of filamentous populations in nutrient removal plants in four European countries

Abstract

A joint EU research project aimed at solving activated sludge bulking in nutrient removal plants was initiated in 1993. The project started with a survey of the size and composition of the filamentous population in nutrient removal plants in Denmark, Germany, Greece and the Netherlands. The results show that biological nutrient removal process conditions indeed favour filamentous microorganisms in their competition with floc forming organisms. An increase in the size of the filamentous population resulted in a deterioration of the settling properties of the biomass, except for plants with Bio-P removal conditions. It is assumed that in the latter case the dense clusters of Bio-P bacteria increase the weight of the flocs, and compensate for the effect of the larger number of filaments. Although exceptions frequently occur, the following sequence in decreasing filamentous organism population size was observed for the process conditions indicated: - completely mixed + simultaneous denitrification; - completely mixed + intermittent aeration/denitrification; - alternating anoxic/oxic process conditions, with an anaerobic tank for biological phosphate removal (Bio-Denipho); - alternating anoxic/oxic process conditions (Bio-Denitro); - predenitrification The surveys provided little information about the effect of nutrient removal in plants with plug flow aeration basins. Simultaneous precipitation with aluminium salts nearly always resulted in a low number of filaments and a good settling sludge. The size of the filamentous organism population showed a seasonal pattern with a maximum in winter/early spring and a minimum during summer (in Greece: during autumn). This seasonal variation is primarily caused by the effect of the season on the population sizes of M. parvicella, N. limicola and Type 0092. M. parvicella is by far the most important filamentous species in nutrient removal plants. In Denmark only, Type 0041 also frequently dominates the filamentous population, but seldom causes severe bulking. Considering their frequency of occurrence, approx. 10 other filamentous micro-organisms are of minor importance. Growth of some of these species, viz. those which use soluble substrate, can be prevented by the introduction of Bio-P process conditions. M. parvicella and Type 0041 (and probably also Actinomycetes and the Types 1851 and 0092) seem to compete for the same substrates i.e. the influent particulate fraction. Most of the differences in composition of the filamentous microorganism population can be explained by whether or not premixing of influent and recycled sludge is used. In general, premixing for a short period of time followed by anoxic conditions favours Type 0041. M. parvicella seems to proliferate if the particulate fraction is first hydrolysed or if it enters the plant via an oxic zone. It is concluded that bulking in nutrient removal plants is mainly caused by filamentous species requiring the particulate fraction for their growth.

Bulking and Foaming in France: The 1999–2001 Survey

“…Nevertheless the first rank for Type 0092 is a new conclusion. Studies led in Italy [4], in Australia [3] and in European countries [8].…”

“…A series of surveys carried out in Australia [2,3], in Italy [4], in the Czech Republic [5,6], in Buenos Aires [7] and in different European countries [8] revealed the extent of these dysfunctions. These studies have focused on different topics, for example linking bulking or foaming to the configuration of the aeration tank and nutriment removal capacity [8] or ranking specific filamentous microorganisms [4] in relation to the plant configuration.…”

“…These studies have focused on different topics, for example linking bulking or foaming to the configuration of the aeration tank and nutriment removal capacity [8] or ranking specific filamentous microorganisms [4] in relation to the plant configuration.…”

Influence of the Presence of Long Chain Fatty Acids (Lcfas) in the Sewage on the Growth of M. Parvicella in Activated Sludge Wastewater Treatment Plants

“…However, it has been observed that M. parvicella is the most frequent filamentous microorganism causing sludge bulking and foaming, especially in treatment plants involving nutrients removal [1,2].…”

“…High sludge retention time, low DO, low temperature, presence of anoxic, anaerobic, and intermittently aerated zones, are the most commonly cited conditions associated with its growth [2]. Substrate composition is another significant factor, as it has been found that slowly degradable organic material may favour the growth of M. parvicella.…”