Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 5, 2025

Monitoring Spatial Segregation in Surface Colonizing Microbial Populations
Published on: October 29, 2016
[Population Dynamics and Key Influencing Factors of Microthrix parvicella Caused Sludge Bulking]
Gao-Xin Su1,2, Rong Qi2, Shu-Min Xiao1
1Tianjin Key Laboratory of Aquatic Science and Technology, School of Environmental and Municipal Engineering, Tianjin Chengjian University, Tianjin 300384, China.
Abstract:
Given the frequent occurrence of the sludge bulking phenomena caused by Microthrix parvicella (M. parvicella) overgrowth during the low-temperature period in the full-scale municipal wastewater treatment plant, the filamentous bacteria dynamics of the M. parvicella population were systematically investigated during the completed bulking period using the multi-dimensional integrated filamentous monitoring method combined with the molecular quantitative method. A lab-scale reactor was constructed and successfully simulated bulking phenomena under the low-temperature condition. The trend of dominant filamentous bacterial shift and the main influencing parameters were estimated during the bulking period, to verify the key factors for filament growth and extinction of the sludge bulking phenomenon in the full-scale plant. The results showed that the bulking-caused M. parvicella was characterized by significant changes in the diversity of filamentous bacteria, and the dominant filamentous bacterial succession was reflected in the competition between the skeleton filamentous bacteria Type 0092 and Type 0041 and M. parvicella. At lower temperatures, sludge loading was an important controlling factor for the competitive growth advantage of M. parvicella: when the temperature was lower (approximately 15°C), low sludge loading [0.05 kg·(kg·d)-1] could lead to the stabilized elevation of M. parvicella, and with the loading increased to 0.1 kg·(kg·d)-1 or more, M. parvicella populations showed a targeted decline despite the presence of the low temperature factor.
Insights
Microthrix parvicella overgrowth causes sludge bulking in wastewater plants. Low sludge loading at low temperatures promotes M. parvicella, while increased loading reduces its population.
Area of Science:
- Environmental microbiology
- Wastewater treatment engineering
Context:
- Sludge bulking is a frequent issue in municipal wastewater treatment plants, particularly during low-temperature periods.
- Microthrix parvicella overgrowth is a primary cause of sludge bulking, impacting treatment efficiency.
Purpose:
- To investigate the dynamics of Microthrix parvicella populations during sludge bulking events.
- To identify key factors influencing the growth and decline of M. parvicella under low-temperature conditions.
- To simulate and understand sludge bulking phenomena in a controlled laboratory setting.
Summary:
- Systematic investigation using multi-dimensional monitoring and molecular methods revealed significant shifts in filamentous bacteria diversity during M. parvicella-induced bulking.
- Competition between Type 0092, Type 0041, and M. parvicella dominated filamentous bacterial succession.
- Sludge loading emerged as a critical factor: low loading (0.05 kg·(kg·d)⁻¹) at low temperatures (approx. 15°C) stabilized M. parvicella elevation, whereas loading ≥ 0.1 kg·(kg·d)⁻¹ led to a targeted decline.
Impact:
- Provides insights into the mechanisms driving sludge bulking events caused by M. parvicella.
- Identifies sludge loading as a key operational parameter for controlling M. parvicella proliferation in wastewater treatment.
- Offers strategies for mitigating sludge bulking and improving wastewater treatment plant performance.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Microbial Growth Measurement: Indirect Methods
Diversity of Protists I
Environmental Applications of Microorganisms

