Abstract
The effects of sludge age and dilution rate on extracellular polymer concentrations and metal uptake in activated sludge and continuous cultures of Klehsiella aerogenes respectively were investigated. Polysaccharides and proteins were detected in samples extracted from pure cultures of Klehsiella aerogenes and activated sludge, deoxyribonucleic acid was also present in samples extracted from activated sludge. These compounds were present in residual concentrations in filtered culture samples. Concentrations of extracellular polymers in continuous cultures of K. aerogenes increased sharply at the lowest dilution rate studied (0.06h −1). Metal uptake by cells at this dilution rate showed a slight increase, suggesting that increased polymer concentrations enhanced metal adsorption. Extracellular polymer concentrations in activated sludge increased considerably with sludge age, showing a direct relationship with mixed liquor suspended solids. Polymer concentration as a percentage of mixed liquor suspended solids remained virtually constant. Extracellular polymer concentration and mixed liquor suspended solids concentration did not exert any direct influence over metal removal in activated sludge. As sludge age decreased below 9 d however, the capacity of the sludge to adsorb metals greatly increased.
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