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Physicochemical characteristics of microbial granules.
Xian-Wei Liu1, Guo-Ping Sheng1, Han-Qing Yu1
1Department of Chemistry, University of Science & Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, China.
Biotechnology Advances
|May 26, 2009
Summary
Microbial granules offer superior wastewater treatment over flocs. Understanding their physicochemical properties aids in optimizing biological wastewater treatment systems.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Microbiology
- Biotechnology
- Wastewater Engineering
Background:
- Microbial granules are key to biological wastewater treatment, outperforming conventional sludge flocs.
- Their dense structure, better settleability, and resilience to shock loadings offer significant advantages.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide an updated review of the physicochemical characteristics of microbial granules.
- To consolidate recent findings on both anaerobic and aerobic granules.
Main Methods:
- Review of recent scientific literature on microbial granule properties.
- Analysis of studies focusing on settleability, permeability, morphology, mechanical stability, rheology, porosity, surface properties, and extracellular polymeric substances.
Main Results:
- Granules exhibit distinct physicochemical properties influencing their performance.
- Key characteristics include settleability, permeability, mechanical stability, and surface properties.
Conclusions:
- Enhanced understanding of microbial granule physicochemical characteristics is crucial.
- This knowledge facilitates the engineering and optimization of granulation for improved wastewater treatment.
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