Wastewater Archives | Page 2 of 4

Most Wanted Microbes – Candidatus Accumulibacter

From the editor: This is the eleventh post in an ongoing series profiling microorganisms of particular significance in water and wastewater systems. In this series we will cover microorganisms of many types including some that are beneficial, inhibitory and pathogenic. Candidatus Accumulibacter is a phosphorus accumulating organism (PAOs), meaning it can store copious quantities of phosphorus under specific conditions in a process referred to as enhanced biological phosphorus removal. Systems that select for Candidatus… Read More

Most Wanted Microbes – Coliforms

From the editor: This is the ninth post in an ongoing series profiling microorganisms of particular significance in water and wastewater systems. In this series we will cover microorganisms of many types including some that are beneficial, inhibitory and pathogenic. Coliforms are a group of gram-negative, rod-shaped bacteria that generally belong within the family of… Read More

Most Wanted Microbes – Nitrifiers (a.k.a. Nitrosomonas)

From the editor: This is the fourth post in an ongoing series profiling microorganisms of particular significance in water and wastewater systems. In this series we will cover microorganisms of many types including some that are beneficial, inhibitory and pathogenic. Nitrification is a two-part process whereby ammonia is converted to nitrate. The first step… Read More

Most Wanted Microbes – Kouleothrix (a.k.a. Roseiflexus)

From the editor: This is the second post in an ongoing series profiling microorganisms of particular significance in water and wastewater systems. In this series we will cover microorganisms of many types including some that are beneficial, inhibitory and pathogenic. Kouleothrix is a filamentous organism found in wastewater treatment systems. They appear as thread-like… Read More

Most Wanted Microbe – Escherichia coli

From the editor: This is the inaugural post in an ongoing series profiling microorganisms of particular significance in water and wastewater systems. In this series we will cover microorganisms of many types including some that are beneficial, inhibitory and pathogenic. Escherichia coli or E. coli is a species of bacteria commonly found in the… Read More

The Cost of High Solids in Your Wastewater Treatment Plant

Conventional activated sludge wastewater treatment plants (WWTP) operate with solids (mixed liquor suspended solids – MLSS) concentrations ranging from approximately 1500 to 5000 mg/L. In membrane bioreactors (MBRs), typical MLSS concentrations are even higher (10,000 to 12,000 mg/L). A higher concentration can be advantageous as they allow for smaller aeration tanks while performing the… Read More

Enhanced Biological Phosphorus Removal – Who’s doing the work?

Enhanced biological phosphorus removal (EBPR) was first documented in the early 1970’s. Traditionally it has been understood that EBPR requires a first stage anaerobic zone that is free of nitrate and nitrite. In the anaerobic zone, phosphorus accumulating organisms (PAO) utilize energy from stored polyphosphate to assimilate volatile fatty acids (VFAs) and produce polyhydroxybutyrate… Read More

How often should I measure ATP in my wastewater treatment plant?

Establishing a routine monitoring plan for ATP will ensure that you’re able to take preventative action to reduce risk. Learn how here.

[Video] Microbiological Monitoring in Water: Past, Present & Future

The first ever Microbe Detective’s Microbiome Water Summit was held in Chicago at the Shedd Aquarium on September 29, 2017. It was held to coincide with the Water Environment Federation’s annual WEFTEC conference and exhibition (September 30-October 4, 2017). The Summit was well attended by a mix of consultants, technology providers, academics, utilities and… Read More

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