Detection of Filamentous Bacteria
Most representatives of the filamentous bacteria of the Chloroflexi group cannot be cultivated and are unknown. Only a few, such as Eikelboom type 1851, are known and have been proven to cause sedimentation problems in activated sludge. VIT® Chloroflexi allows the fast and specific identification of Chloroflexi and in parallel of Eikelboom type 1851 in sludge samples. The filamentous bacteria can be quantified using the VIT® key supplied with the test kit. Changes in the populations can be continuously monitored and important conclusions can be drawn about the composition of the biocenosis before settling problems occur.
By integrating the product into an early warning system, considerable amounts of precipitants can be saved.
Your Advantages
VIT® technology enables the targeted detection of individual microorganisms at population, genus or species level. The use of highly specific, rRNA-based gene probes ensures clear identification of the target organism directly in the sample.
The technology enables direct quantification of the target organisms in the sample. With the VIT® Vision software, the population development of filamentous organisms such as Microthrix parvicella or Nostocoida limicola II can be tracked and reliably monitored over time. In this way, even slight changes in the density of these filamentous bacteria become visible even before the first abnormalities such as bulking or floating sludge appear. This allows proactive intervention - for example through targeted process adjustment or targeted chemical use - even before extensive chemical dosing becomes necessary. As a result, chemical quantities can be reduced, operating costs lowered and the stability of the wastewater treatment plant process ensured in the long term.
The analysis is carried out without complex sample purification or enrichment: the microorganisms are hybridized directly in activated sludge or other environmental samples and then evaluated microscopically. This preserves the natural matrix - a major advantage over methods based on cell isolation or DNA extraction.
The VIT® gene probes hybridize only with intact, metabolically active cells, as only these have sufficient amounts of ribosomal RNA. Thus, only living Chloroflexi spp. and type 1851 filaments are detected, while dead or inactive cells are excluded.
In contrast, PCR only detects DNA, regardless of whether the cell is alive or dead. This means that dead cells can also be detected in PCR analyses, which can lead to a considerable overestimation of the actual biological activity - particularly problematic in processes such as nitrification, where the functional potential is crucial.
Depending on the setup, it only takes a few hours from sample extraction to analysis. The hybridization is standardized, the analysis is performed by fluorescence microscopy and can also be carried out on site in routine environments. The evaluation and subsequent quantification can be carried out easily with the help of the VIT® Vision software.
The test kits are user-friendly and can be integrated into existing laboratory procedures with minimal training. Detection is carried out using fluorescence microscopy and does not require complex equipment or special software solutions. This makes the method particularly robust and user-independent.
Product Specifications
| Detection of | Chloroflexi spp. and Eikelboom type 1851 |
| Samples that can be analyzed include | Sludge samples (direct) |
| Technology | VIT® gene probe technology |
| Analysis | by means of VIT® adapted Fluorescence microscope |
| Type of analysis | qualitative detection |
| Scope of delivery | Analysis reagents Product manual |
| Package size | 25 analyses |
Handling and Analysis
The sample is prepared using a VIT® adapted fluorescence miscroscope. All bacteria are visible in phase contrast. Chloroflexi filamentous bacteria glow green, Eikelboom type 1851 glows red, therefore yellow in simultaneous detection.
Have your sludge analyzed for harmful bacteria. Use our services for this:
Why is Microbiological Monitoring so Important?
Filamentous bacteria such as Microthrix parvicella, type 021N and other filamentous organisms are a natural part of the biocenosis in wastewater treatment plants. In controlled quantities they are harmless - they even help with floc formation. However, under certain conditions, such as increased fat content in the influent or insufficient oxygen supply, they can multiply excessively. The result: bulking and floating sludge.
VIT® gene probe technology enables the precise identification and quantification of microorganisms directly in the wastewater. Microbiological wastewater monitoring allows measures to be controlled in a targeted manner, precipitants to be dosed optimally and bulking sludge to be prevented.
You Might Also Be Interested in
Nitrification
The conversion of ammonium to nitrate is carried out by specialized microorganisms - the nitrifiers. The process can be optimized through precise monitoring of the bacterial populations responsible for nitrification.
Bulking and Floating Sludge
Precise identification and quantification of filamentous bacteria directly in the sample - quickly and reliably. Wastewater monitoring of filamentous bacteria enables efficient and timely intervention before problems occur.
VIT® Vision Software
With the VIT® Vision software, the entire biology of the wastewater treatment plant can finally be recorded and analyzed. The results can then be implemented in the operational control system to optimize operational safety.