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Related Concept Videos

Coagulation01:06

Coagulation

Colloidal solids are solid particles suspended in solution. They are usually negatively charged, attracting a compact primary layer of positively charged ions, which attract more counterions to form an electrical double layer. Electrostatic repulsion between the charged double layers prevents the particles from colliding, stabilizing the colloids. These solids are often undesirable because they can contain toxins that are difficult to remove. Coagulation is a technique that helps aggregate and...
Microbial Mats01:25

Microbial Mats

Microbial communities forming biofilms and mats represent complex, spatially structured ecosystems where metabolic processes are stratified according to light, oxygen, and nutrient gradients. Biofilms are initial colonization stages, only a few millimeters thick, while mature microbial mats can reach centimeter-scale thickness and display intricate vertical organization. Their structural and functional heterogeneity allows microorganisms to occupy distinct ecological niches within a few...
Diversity of Protists IV01:27

Diversity of Protists IV

Amoebozoa represent a diverse group of terrestrial and aquatic protists that utilize lobe-shaped pseudopodia for locomotion and feeding. This characteristic differentiates them from the Rhizaria, which possess threadlike pseudopodia. The primary classifications within Amoebozoa include gymnamoebas, entamoebas, and the plasmodial and cellular slime molds. Phylogenetic evidence indicates that Amoebozoa diverged from a lineage that ultimately gave rise to fungi and animals.Gymnamoebas and...
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Biofilms

Biofilms are complex communities of microorganisms encased in a self-produced extracellular polysaccharide matrix attached to surfaces. These microbial consortia can include single or multiple species, providing enhanced survival benefits by forming organized, multilayered structures.The formation of biofilms occurs through four key stages: attachment, colonization, development, and dispersal.During attachment, free-swimming planktonic cells adhere to a surface, often facilitated by...
Membrane Asymmetry Regulating Transporters01:19

Membrane Asymmetry Regulating Transporters

Enzymes like flippase, floppase, and scramblase transfer phospholipids from one layer to another in the membrane, thereby affecting membrane asymmetry.
Flippase
Eukaryotic flippases are type-IV P-type ATPases or P4-ATPases belonging to P-type ATPase family proteins that are membrane-bound pumps involved in the ATP-mediated transport of ions and molecules across the membrane. Flippases flip specific phospholipids from the outer to the inner leaflet of a membrane. All P4-ATPases have one...
The Colloidal State01:29

The Colloidal State

The formation of a colloidal system is exemplified by an aqueous solution containing Cl− ions is introduced to another containing Ag+ ions, resulting in the precipitation of solid AgCl as extremely tiny crystals. Instead of settling out as a filterable precipitate, these crystals remain suspended in the liquid, showcasing a colloidal system.A colloidal system involves colloidal particles within the approximate range of 1 to 1000 nm in at least one dimension, dispersed in a medium called the...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 4, 2026

Extraction of Structural Extracellular Polymeric Substances from Aerobic Granular Sludge
06:10

Extraction of Structural Extracellular Polymeric Substances from Aerobic Granular Sludge

Published on: September 26, 2016

Structure of activated sludge floes.

D H Li1, J J Ganczarczyk

  • 1Department of Civil Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

Biotechnology and Bioengineering
|January 5, 1990
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Large activated sludge flocs exhibit a complex internal structure with randomly distributed microorganisms and extracellular polymers (EPs). This non-uniformity, characterized by fractal geometry, results in significant water channels within the flocs.

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Last Updated: Jul 4, 2026

Extraction of Structural Extracellular Polymeric Substances from Aerobic Granular Sludge
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Published on: September 26, 2016

Measuring the Shape and Size of Activated Sludge Particles Immobilized in Agar with an Open Source Software Pipeline
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A Novel Bioreactor for High Density Cultivation of Diverse Microbial Communities
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A Novel Bioreactor for High Density Cultivation of Diverse Microbial Communities

Published on: December 25, 2015

Area of Science:

  • Environmental microbiology
  • Wastewater treatment engineering
  • Microbial ecology

Background:

  • Activated sludge flocs are crucial for wastewater treatment efficiency.
  • Understanding the internal structure of activated sludge flocs is key to optimizing treatment processes.
  • Previous studies have limited insight into the three-dimensional internal architecture of larger flocs.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the internal structure of large activated sludge flocs (>100 microm).
  • To characterize the distribution of microorganisms and extracellular polymers (EPs) within these flocs.
  • To explore the potential application of fractal geometry in describing floc architecture.

Main Methods:

  • Stabilization of large activated sludge flocs using histological tissue preparation techniques.
  • Sectioning of stabilized flocs into thin slices (3-6 microm).
  • Microscopic examination and staining of floc sections to visualize internal components.

Main Results:

  • Activated sludge floc internal structure is highly non-uniform.
  • Microorganisms and extracellular polymers (EPs) are randomly distributed within flocs.
  • Large water channels and reservoirs are present within some flocs.
  • A fractal-like appearance suggests fractal geometry may describe floc structure within a size range.
  • Abundant amorphous extracellular polymers (EPs) surround microorganisms.

Conclusions:

  • The internal structure of activated sludge flocs is complex and heterogeneous.
  • Extracellular polymers (EPs) play a significant role in floc architecture and water retention.
  • Fractal concepts may provide a useful framework for characterizing activated sludge floc morphology.
  • Further research into floc structure can inform wastewater treatment optimization.