Laboratory analysis: Detection of all filamentous bacteria
The group of Chloroflexi (formerly: green, non-sulphur-containing bacteria) are mostly filamentous bacteria whose members are highly morphologically similar but nevertheless exhibit a high level of diversity at the genetic level. The Gram-variable bacteria are usually not cultivable, but have increased massively in wastewater treatment plants in recent years and lead to sludge sedimentation problems in the event of mass growth.
Chloroflexi are not only found in aerobic plants, but also in anaerobic pellet sludge as part of the natural populations. Particularly in anaerobic sludge from the paper industry, the Chloroflexi group is quantitatively very important within the biocenosis. Some representatives appear to have a positive influence on hydrolysis, while others have a negative influence on pellet stability, which can lead to pellet disintegration and loss.
The VIT® gene probe technology is used to identify and quantify the important group of Chloroflexi and, in parallel, the filamentous bacterium Eikelboom type 1851 in sludge samples. This allows important conclusions to be drawn about the composition of the biocenosis before problems occur. Use the VIT® Chloroflexi rapid analysis as an early warning system. Sludge degeneration phenomena can thus be prevented and population shifts with corresponding negative consequences for the performance of the systems can be identified in good time.
The results are reported in accordance with the VIT® key. The report contains meaningful photo documentation that visualizes the Chloroflexi filaments in the wastewater sample.
Qualitative or quantitative detection?
Quantitative detection
How is the analysis carried out?
Using the reliable VIT® gene probe technology.
What are the requirements for the sample to be sent in?
Please contact us for further details according to your samples.
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.
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