Wastewater Microbiome Analysis
We firmly believe that a Microscopic analysis of any biological system should be a critical component of any ongoing daily, weekly, or monthly monitoring and control programs in any wastewater treatment plant.
Our comprehensive and simplified Wastewater Microbe Analysis report can help you correlate the health of the system, any changes in floc structures, higher life forms, oxygen penetration, filamentous identification, polysaccharides coating of the bacteria and suspended solids, achieved using a high-end microscope and through examination of the biomass.
WMA can help predict the direction the plant is headed, along with the current health status if used on a regular basis.
Floc Analysis
Floc Analysis is used to identify characteristics of the floc structures found in the biomass including – size, morphology, filament abundance, EPS secretion etc.
Floc size is an important parameter since it determines the settleability of the sludge. Floc size can vary from 100 um to 5000 um and more. Too small or Too large flocs can have an adverse effect on the plant.
EPS is important to understand the floc-forming properties of bacterial colonies in wastewater. They act as the glue holding together colonies of bacteria. A good floc will have medium levels of EPS with limited to no diffusion of EPS into the surrounding. Excess EPS Diffusion can be caused due to cell death and/or septic conditions. They also tell about C:N:P ratio of plants.
Oxygen Penetration is important in determining the health of the flocs present in the system Flocs greater than 1000-2000um have difficulty in getting oxygen & might cause septic conditions if kept unchecked.
Sludge Age is the most important factor in determining the biological health of the plant. It can vary from Plant to plant & is usually Measured in Sludge Retention Time (SRT) and/or Mean Cell Residence Time (MCRT). It can be determined using microbial examination to a great extent might require further plant data to better understand & manage the RAS/WAS Ratio.
Filamentous Microbe Analysis
Filaments can be internal or external and they can be free of the floc structures or found intertwined in the floc
Filament population understanding is important to protect plants from any adverse effects in the longer run. Certain Filaments are harmless but filaments like Nocardia can cause Foaming or Bulking in Plants. They also indicate the presence of certain conditions low F/M ratio or Low DO in plants.
It is important in Determining the type of Filaments Present.
It is important in Determining the type of Filaments Present.
Higher Life Form Analysis
Based on the number and type of higher life forms found in wastewater sample, this analysis helps assess the health and age of the system
Protozoa Analysis
Presence indicate young sludge age and/or Shock loads of BOD. Feed on bacteria & Algae.
Flagellates utilize long hair-like strands, known as flagella, for mobility. They indicate young sludge age & high levels of free bacteria in the system.
Can be Free swimming or Stalked. Free Swimming Ciliates are present in young sludge age. Stalked Ciliates are present in healthy sludge age and feed on remaining free bacteria, algae and other small protozoans.
They indicated healthy sludge age and generally feed on metazoa & protozoa in plants. Look similar to Ciliates but have different tentacle-like structures.
Metazoa Analysis
Indicate Old Sludge Age depending on population dynamics. Feed on decomposing bacteria, bacteria, algae, or smaller protozoa. Also, aid in floc formation by secreting mucus. A large population of Dead Rotifers indicate sudden toxicity within the system.
Indicate old sludge age. Move-in whip-like motion. Easy to observe in the system. Feed on flocs present in the system. A large population is not good for plants. Nematodes feed on the smaller, simpler micro-organisms which are found in the slime layer, such as bacteria and protozoan.
Indicate very old sludge age. Presence also indicates the poor nutrient balance in the system with very high SRT/MCRT.
Miscellaneous
Can be present in a large variety of conditions. Multiple species indicate different conditions. Generally present in Phosphorus rich waters. Some also indicate poor mixing In water or poor aeration.
Fungi can grow under low moisture and nitrogen conditions and tolerate an environment with a relatively low pH. Fungi are often a cause of bulking. Too many fungi can cause an increase in polymer consumption and make dewatering harder. Fungi like Yeast can cause high levels of TSS and cause an increase in polymer usage to reduce TSS in final effluent if not controlled.
Contribute to floc structure formation and have or symbiotic relationship with bacteria. Difficult to identify without specialized equipment and very costly. Secondary Conditions are considered to analyze them.
Does not indicate any specific case but might be required for government compliance.