Abstract
The aim of the study was to determine the effect of the Actinomycetes proliferation in the activated sludge on the quality of the treated wastewater and the sewage receiver. The river which is the sewage receiver flows near the wastewater treatment plant. The study was performed on the wastewater (raw and treated) and on the river water samples (collected before and after wastewater discharge). The analysis of the research results, such as the content of total organic carbon (TOC), total phosphorus and oxygen consumption in the examined samples, permit the conclusion that the presence of relatively large population of the Actinomycetes in sewage sludge has a negative impact on the quality of the sewage receiver. Determining the effect of the Actinomycetes in the activated sludge on the wastewater treatment process involved the application of specific analyses, such as Sludge Biotic Index (SBI) and the identification of filamentous bacteria in the activated sludge. The analysis of studies indicates that the presence of the Actinomycetes in the activated sludge adversely affects the efficiency of the wastewater treatment process.
Highlights
One of the most common problems faced by researchers studying sewage treatment plants is poor sludge sedimentation
These include microorganisms belonging to the Actinomycetes group, which comprises a number of different bacteria with similar morphology (Nocardia amarae, Nocardia pinensis, Rhodococcus, Gordona, Skermania)
These microorganisms are distinguished by hydrophobic cell walls, which are responsible for the adverse effect on the process of mechanical wastewater treatment, since they adhere to air bubbles and float together with sludge flocs on the surface of the settling tank preventing the sludge sedimentation
Summary
One of the most common problems faced by researchers studying sewage treatment plants is poor sludge sedimentation. It results from, i.a., the excessive proliferation of filamentous microorganisms. 20 types of filamentous microorganisms are identified in activated sludge [1] These include microorganisms belonging to the Actinomycetes group, which comprises a number of different bacteria with similar morphology (Nocardia amarae, Nocardia pinensis, Rhodococcus, Gordona, Skermania). These organisms are characterised by true branching and the formation of branched colonies primarily inside or around the sludge flocs. Owing to the difficulty in eliminating this type of filamentous microorganisms in the activated sludge, it is crucial to recognize the threats to the environment that they may pose
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