In an earlier post, I discussed the importance of biological polymers - extracellular polysaccharides (EPS) and the other extra cellular materials that make up the "glue" that hold floc together. This glue action binds bacterial cells and large particles into a particle size that readily settles in final clarification. It should be noted that floc is the same as a biofilm with respect to microbial ecology.
The extracellular materials help the organisms by providing a protected, more stable environment, help prevent predation, improve access to nutrients and micronurtrients, and bind insoluble materials for later breakdown/utilization by the microbes.
For the past week, I have been screening a high soluble BOD wastewater stream (BOD5 of 4,200 mg/L) with high levels of starches, organic acids, and proteins. I was looking for ways to increase floc formation and improve water clarity, lower TSS before discharge. After searching various microbes for blending, I looked for strains with the capability of producing a cationic, high molecular weight polymer that remains attached to cell. The optimal strains would also produce this polymer during log growth which is a not commonly seen.
Adding these cultures to existing biomass created big changes in a 40 hour study. The results were easily seen in photos.
The extracellular materials help the organisms by providing a protected, more stable environment, help prevent predation, improve access to nutrients and micronurtrients, and bind insoluble materials for later breakdown/utilization by the microbes.
For the past week, I have been screening a high soluble BOD wastewater stream (BOD5 of 4,200 mg/L) with high levels of starches, organic acids, and proteins. I was looking for ways to increase floc formation and improve water clarity, lower TSS before discharge. After searching various microbes for blending, I looked for strains with the capability of producing a cationic, high molecular weight polymer that remains attached to cell. The optimal strains would also produce this polymer during log growth which is a not commonly seen.
Adding these cultures to existing biomass created big changes in a 40 hour study. The results were easily seen in photos.
Hour 20
Hour 40 - with 10 minutes settling time
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