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Extraction of Structural Extracellular Polymeric Substances from Aerobic Granular Sludge
Published on: September 26, 2016
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An improved protocol for extracting extracellular polymeric substances from granular filter media
Sarah E Keithley1, Mary Jo Kirisits2
1Department of Civil, Architectural, and Environmental Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, 301 E. Dean Keeton St., Stop 1700, Austin, TX 78712, USA; Tighe & Bond, 1 University Avenue, Suite 104, Westwood, MA 02090, USA.
Water Research
|November 28, 2017
Summary
This study optimized a method for extracting extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) from drinking water biofilters. The new protocol efficiently recovers EPS from filter media, aiding biofilter research.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Microbiology
- Water Treatment
Background:
- Extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) are crucial in drinking-water biofilters.
- Existing methods for extracting EPS from granular filter media lack standardization and comparison.
- Understanding EPS is vital for optimizing biofilter performance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare existing literature protocols for extracting EPS from granular filter media.
- To develop and optimize an improved EPS extraction protocol.
- To assess EPS concentrations in full-scale biofilters and the impact of backwashing.
Main Methods:
- Compared five literature-based EPS extraction protocols.
- Optimized one protocol by adjusting physical treatment, shaking intensity, temperature, and incubation time.
- Analyzed EPS concentrations in full-scale biofilters using the improved protocol and assessed backwashing effects.
Main Results:
- An improved protocol involving specific buffer, vortexing, and incubation conditions yielded significantly higher EPS concentrations.
- The optimized protocol was most effective for sand-based media, less so for anthracite or granular activated carbon (GAC).
- EPS concentrations varied widely in full-scale biofilters; backwashing reduced biomass and EPS but did not detach the majority of the biofilm.
Conclusions:
- A refined EPS extraction protocol was established, improving quantification from drinking water biofilters.
- The protocol's effectiveness varies with filter media type.
- Further research using this protocol can elucidate EPS's role in biofilter efficiency and stability.
