Saving Precipitants

Precipitant savings on a large wastewater treatment plant by monitoring of filamentous bacteria with gene probes.

Abstract

To differentiate filamentous bacteria present in a sample via light microscopy is often an extremely difficult task, even for wastewater microbiology experts. Some filaments, for example, are present in the form of composite flocs, which makes them hard to identify, even with the help of staining methods. In addition, several filament-forming bacteria initially grow as inconspicuous single cells, which can not be detected as filamentous bacteria by visual means.

This study reports about the monitoring of filamentous bacteria using the wastewater treatment plant Hetlingen as an example. It led to a more targeted adjustment of the dosage of PAC products, which in turn led to signifincant savings in precipitant agents. Monitoring of the growth of filamentous bacteria was performed regularly with the help of VIT® gene probe technology, in particular VIT® Microthrix.

Publication language: German

Fadenbakterien Micrtothrix
Identical microscopic views: Phase contrast (left); after analysis with VIT® Microthrix, Microthrix parvicella shines red (right).

Quotation

H. Weißmann & C. Beimfohr (2004): Einsparung von Fällungsmitteln auf einer Großkläranlage anhand der Überwachung filamentöser Bakterien mit Gensonden. In: gwf-Wasser | Abwasser 145 (2004) Nr. 9, p. 652 – 655.