Related Experiment Videos
Biomass active fraction evaluated by a direct method and respirometric techniques.
G Andreottola1, P Foladori, A Gelmini
1Dept. of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Trento, Italy. lisa@ing.unitn.it
Summary
This study directly measured viable biomass in wastewater using flow cytometry, comparing it to indirect respirometric methods. Flow cytometry provides a more accurate assessment of active biomass for wastewater treatment plant design.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Microbiology
- Biotechnology
- Wastewater Engineering
Background:
- Accurate active biomass quantification is crucial for designing and managing wastewater treatment plants.
- Current indirect methods, like OUR curves, estimate active biomass but may lack precision.
- Direct measurement methods are needed for reliable characterization of viable biomass.
Purpose of the Study:
- To directly measure viable biomass in activated sludge using flow cytometry (FCM).
- To compare FCM-derived active biomass with estimates from respirometric tests.
- To validate FCM as a precise tool for active biomass assessment in wastewater treatment.
Main Methods:
- Application of flow cytometry (FCM) for direct viable biomass measurement.
- Estimation of bacterial biovolume and specific carbon content per cell.
- Comparison of FCM results with active biomass fractions derived from respirometric tests.
Main Results:
- Bacterial biomass measured by FCM averaged 588 mgCOD L(-1) over two months.
- This active biomass represented 14% of the total particulate COD.
- Respirometric methods yielded consistent but generally higher active biomass values than FCM.
Conclusions:
- Flow cytometry offers a direct and reliable method for quantifying viable biomass in wastewater.
- FCM measurements provide a more accurate basis for wastewater treatment plant design and management.
- Direct viable biomass assessment is essential for optimizing treatment processes and understanding microbial ecology.