Abstract
Knowledge of microbiotic particulate composition provides valuable information for assessing treatment plant performance and enhancing plant operation.Concentration of microbiota and total particulates in raw and finished water samples from 55 conventional treatment plants was compared. Analyses included (1) enumeration and identification of the microbiota, (2) direct measurement of the pellet volume of total particulates after laboratory centrifugation, (3) total particle counts, and (4) Giardia and Cryptosporidium detection. Organism reduction based on microscopic particulate analysis in the raw and finished waters ranged from –0.8 to 6.0 log. There was a significant correlation between reduction values generated by organism counts, centrifugate pellet measurements, and particle counts. However, only organism reduction values remained consistent regardless of influent turbidity or flocculent material present in the effluent. Because of low concentrations and intermittent occurrence, counts of Giardia and Cryptosporidium did not accurately reflect treatment plant performance.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
