Sludge Foaming and Bulking
Severe sludge bulking resulting in the blanket overtopping the weir of the final sedimentation tank
The proliferation of filamentous bacteria in the mixed liquor of activated sludge was observed by Arden and Locket as long ago as 1914 and these bacteria have continued to plague the process for nearly a century. Almost all wastewater treatment plants will experience deterioration in sludge settlement at some point and for many plants it is a regular occurrence. Although our understanding of the microbiology of the filaments that have caused foaming and bulking has increased hugely, we are still unable to predict the conditions that cause their proliferation and neither do we have fully effective control solutions. Our research focuses on engineering solutions to filament control that attempts to design in to the treatment process the facilities to withstand an outbreak of filaments, without compromising consent. Research still continues however into increasing our understanding of the causative organisms in order to provide more effective control strategies.
Indicative projects in this area include:
- Microscopic examination for protozoan and filament identification
- Improving the design and application of selectors to enhance sludge settleability
- Chemical dosing strategies for filament control
- Disposal options for filamentous foam from aeration basins
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