The Effect of Synthetic Cationic Polymer Addition on Nucleation of Anaerobic Granules under Different Organic Loading Rate

Abstract

Abstract-Nucleation phase with the addition of synthetic cationic polymer, polyacrylamide 8265 (MEM 8265), under different organic loading rate (OLR) was investigated. The results showed that the addition of MEM 8265 showed significant positive effects related to physico-chemical characteristics of microbial aggregates such as short nucleation time, higher size distribution of aggregates >100 µm, nuclei ratio and SVI value. The nucleation phase was achieved within 69 days. The nuclei size was 126 µm and nuclei ratio achieved 51% of total sludge. SVI was 60 ml.mg -1 SS. However, the activities of acidogenic bacteria (propionic acid-and butyric acid-degrading microorganisms) and methanogens were similar to control (without polymer addition).