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Monitoring activated sludge settling properties using image analysis
R Jenné1, E N Banadda, I Y Smets
1BioTeC-Bioprocess Technology and Control, Chemical Engineering Department, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, W de Croylaan 46, B-3001 Heverlee, Belgium.
Summary
This study introduces an automated image analysis system to monitor activated sludge properties, crucial for preventing filamentous bulking. The system effectively tracks changes in flocs and filaments, correlating with the Sludge Volume Index.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Microbiology
- Water Treatment Engineering
Background:
- Filamentous bulking is a major operational problem in activated sludge wastewater treatment.
- Effective monitoring of activated sludge properties is essential for process control and preventing bulking.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and optimize an automated image analysis system for monitoring activated sludge properties.
- To assess the system's capability in detecting and characterizing flocs and filaments.
- To evaluate the correlation between image-derived parameters and the Sludge Volume Index.
Main Methods:
- Development of a fully automatic image analysis procedure.
- Characterization of flocs and filaments in activated sludge images.
- Monitoring of activated sludge properties in a lab-scale installation.
Main Results:
- The image analysis system successfully monitored activated sludge properties.
- Image-derived information showed a strong correlation with the Sludge Volume Index.
- An increase in total filament length and altered floc shape were observed at the onset of filamentous bulking.
Conclusions:
- The developed image analysis system is a valuable tool for monitoring activated sludge.
- The system can detect early signs of filamentous bulking by analyzing filament length and floc shape.
- Automated monitoring aids in the effective management of activated sludge processes.