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6056

Troubleshooting the Activated Sludge Process with a Microscope

3.0

Wastewater

Pennsylvania Rural Water Association

Joel Jordan

jjordan@prwa.com

8143539302 Ext. 201

Partner Website

This course provides an in-depth, review of the use of the microscope as a troubleshooting and process control measure for the activated sludge process. Photomicrographs are presented of the following biota are presented along with their correlation to operational conditions: dispersed growth, floc particles, protozoa, and higher life forms including rotifers, free-living nematodes, water bears, and flatworms. For each component of the biota the following are presented: slide preparation, power of magnification to be used, the use of bright-field or phase contrast microscope, the use of stains, and a rating table to determine if the component is indicative of favorable or unfavorable operating condition. The rationale for the use of the microscope is presented through correlation of the biota, food chain or food web, and the impact of various operating conditions on the biota. These conditions include: dispersed growth; floc particle shape, size, and color; Zoogloeal growth or viscous floc; weak and firm floc particles; India ink reverse stains positive and negative; undesired growth of filamentous organisms; interfloc bridging and open floc formation; protozoa progression and regression using amoebae, flagellates, free-swimming ciliates, crawling ciliates, and stalk ciliates: and higher life forms

Intermediate thru Advanced

Microscopy as a diagnostic tool; Components of microscopic analyses; Worksheets and wastewater sampling and storage; field and phase contrast) and photomicroscopy; References and taxonomic keys (identification and classification)

Operators, technicians and engineers involved in the daily operation, process control, and troubleshooting of wastewater treatment processes, especially the activated sludge process

Classroom