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Occurrence of Microthrix parvicella in sequencing batch reactors.

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Microthrix parvicella causes poor sludge settling in sequencing batch reactors (SBRs). Optimizing SBR operation with long cycle times and iron salt dosing can control M. parvicella, improving sludge volume index (SVI).

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Area of Science:

  • Environmental Microbiology
  • Wastewater Treatment Engineering

Background:

  • Sequencing batch reactors (SBRs) typically offer stable operation and good sludge settling (low Sludge Volume Index - SVI).
  • However, some municipal wastewater treatment SBRs, particularly in Germany, experience scum/foam issues and high SVI (>200 mL/g).
  • Microscopic analysis frequently identifies Microthrix parvicella as the dominant filamentous microorganism in problematic SBRs, especially those with nitrogen and phosphorus removal.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the prevalence and growth conditions of Microthrix parvicella in German municipal wastewater treatment SBRs.
  • To identify operational strategies for controlling M. parvicella proliferation and mitigating associated operational problems like poor sludge settling.

Main Methods:

  • Microscopic examination of activated sludge samples from 13 SBRs, many utilizing a differential internal cycle strategy sequential batch reactor (DIC-SBR) system.
  • Analysis of operational parameters including sludge age, sludge load (kg BOD5/(kg TSS·d)), and cycle times.
  • Correlation of M. parvicella abundance with operational conditions and observed SVI values.

Main Results:

  • Microthrix parvicella was found to be dominant in SBRs exhibiting scum, foam, and high SVI.
  • M. parvicella thrives at high sludge ages (>20 days) and low sludge loads (0.05-0.2 kg BOD5/(kg TSS·d)).
  • Crucially, M. parvicella was also observed to grow under even lower sludge loads (<0.05 kg BOD5/(kg TSS·d)) in the investigated DIC-SBR systems.

Conclusions:

  • High sludge age and low sludge load are favorable conditions for Microthrix parvicella growth in SBRs.
  • Implementing longer cycle times (8-12 hours) and dosing iron salts to manage long-chain fatty acids are effective strategies.
  • These operational adjustments can significantly improve SVI and reduce the frequency of M. parvicella dominance, leading to more stable SBR performance.