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Filamentous bulking sludge--a critical review
António M P Martins1, Krishna Pagilla, Joseph J Heijnen
1Department of Biochemical Engineering, Delft University of Technology, Julianalaan, The Netherlands. a.martins@tnw.tudelft.nl
Water Research
|February 11, 2004
Summary
Bulking sludge in activated sludge systems remains a global challenge. This review explores generic engineering solutions for filamentous bacteria, rather than species-specific approaches, to address this persistent issue.
Area of Science:
- Environmental microbiology
- Wastewater treatment engineering
Background:
- Bulking sludge, characterized by filamentous bacteria, is a persistent operational problem in activated sludge wastewater treatment systems worldwide.
- Despite extensive research, a comprehensive solution remains elusive, impacting treatment efficiency and effluent quality.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the long-standing bulking sludge problem in activated sludge systems.
- To critically evaluate existing theories and the application of biological selectors.
- To identify key research questions for future investigation.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of existing research on bulking sludge.
- Discussion of various theories explaining sludge bulking.
- Critical evaluation of biological selector applications and their associated problems.
Main Results:
- Bulking sludge can be viewed as either a microbiological or an engineering problem.
- A generic, engineering-focused approach may be feasible due to the shared morphology, not physiology, of causative bacteria.
- Current biological selector strategies have limitations and associated problems.
Conclusions:
- A generic approach to managing bulking sludge, focusing on engineering aspects, is potentially more feasible than species-specific microbiological solutions.
- Further research is needed to address open questions and develop effective, comprehensive strategies for bulking sludge control.