Use of Novel Techniques to Quantify Phenotypes in Biological Treatment Processes

Conventional techniques for measuring biomass concentrations do not distinguish among the various phenotypes in mixed microbial cultures. An ability to distinguish among phenotypes can benefit monitoring of biological processes in the field to detect adverse changes in the microbial community before a process upset occurs.

This project develops novel techniques to identify specific phenotypes relevant to municipal and industrial wastewater treatment and thus enhance the predictive capability within the biological treatment process. Results of this research will aid wastewater treatment plants in detecting and reacting to changes in the conditions that influence biomass makeup, such as wastewater composition, environmental conditions, and operational practices. Published by WERF. 204 pages. Soft cover.

Originally funded as WERF project 98-CTS-2.