Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 10, 2026

Development of Sulfidogenic Sludge from Marine Sediments and Trichloroethylene Reduction in an Upflow Anaerobic Sludge Blanket Reactor
Published on: October 15, 2015
Deflocculation of Activated Sludge by the Dissimilatory Fe(III)-Reducing Bacterium Shewanella alga BrY
Abstract:
The influence of microbial Fe(III) reduction on the deflocculation of autoclaved activated sludge was investigated. Fe(III) flocculated activated sludge better than Fe(II). Decreasing concentrations of Fe(III) caused an increase in sludge bulk water turbidity, while bulk water turbidity remained relatively constant over a range of Fe(II) concentrations. Cells of the dissimilatory metal-reducing bacterium Shewanella alga BrY coupled the oxidation of H(inf2) to the reduction of Fe(III) bound in sludge flocs. Cell adhesion to the Fe(III)-sludge flocs was a prerequisite for Fe(III) reduction. The reduction of Fe(III) in sludge flocs by strain BrY caused an increase in bulk water turbidity, suggesting that the sludge was deflocculated. The results of this study support previous research suggesting that microbial Fe(III) respiration may have an impact on the floc structure and colloidal chemistry of activated sludge.
Related Concept Videos
Biological Treatment of Effluent and Waste Water
Microbial Wastewater Treatment
Microbial Bioremediation of Uranium
Microbial Leaching
Microbes and Other Elemental Cycles
Acid Mine Drainage

