Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 17, 2026

A Novel Bioreactor for High Density Cultivation of Diverse Microbial Communities
Published on: December 25, 2015
Insight into the effect of particulate organic matter on sludge granulation at the low organic load: Sludge
Zhe Liu1, Rushuo Yang2, Dan Zhang2
1School of Environmental and Municipal Engineering, Xi'an University of Architecture and Technology, Yan Ta Road. No.13, Xi'an 710055, China; Key Lab of Northwest Water Resource, Environment and Ecology, Ministry of Education, Xi'an University of Architecture and Technology, Xi'an 710055, China; Yulin Ecological Environment Monitoring Station, High-tech Zone Xingda Road, Yulin 719000, China.
Abstract:
This paper investigated the effect of particulate organic matter (POM) on sludge granulation under low organic load. The results showed that POM promoted the formation of aerobic granular sludge (AGS) with a chemical oxygen demand (COD) fraction of 25%, and POM also enhanced the sludge settleability and biomass retention. However, when the COD fraction of POM increased to 50% and 75%, the AGS performance deteriorated. The analysis of extracellular polymeric substances revealed that the POM (accounted for ≤ 50% of COD in the influent) suppressed the secretion of extracellular protein. Analysis of the microbial community showed that species diversity was lower in the POM-fed system, with Rhodocyclaceae being the predominant bacteria responsible for carbon source degradation. Additionally, molecular ecological network analysis demonstrated that when the COD fraction of the POM exceeded 50%, the connectivity and modularity between microbial species decreased, which may explain the sludge performance deterioration.
Related Concept Videos
Microbial Wastewater Treatment
Biological Treatment of Effluent and Waste Water

