Activated sludge foaming: what causes hydrophobicity and can it be manipulated to control foaming?

H M Stratton; R J Seviour; Peter R Brooks

doi:10.1016/S0273-1223(98)00152-8

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Activated sludge foaming: what causes hydrophobicity and can it be manipulated to control foaming?

Journal article

Peer reviewed

Activated sludge foaming: what causes hydrophobicity and can it be manipulated to control foaming?

H M Stratton, R J Seviour and Peter R Brooks

Water science and technology : a journal of the International Association on Water Pollution Research, Vol.37(4-5), pp.503-509

1998

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/S0273-1223(98)00152-8

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Abstract

Engineering

Agricultural and Veterinary Sciences

activated sludge foam

foaming

hydrophobicity

Activated sludge aeration tanks frequently suffer from the formation of a stable foam on their surfaces, a problem which results in increased operating costs and reduces performance. Current control strategies are often unsuccessful, mainly because of a lack of understanding of the microbes involved, and often employ expensive and environmentally undesirable procedures, such as the addition of chemicals. Here we have attempted to better understand the mechanism(s) involved in foam formation. We have investigated the possible relationship between the mycolic acid content in a Rhodococcus rhodochrous strain isolated from foam, its cell surface hydrophobicity (CSH) and ability to form stable foam. Results show that mycolic acid composition is not the only contributor to CSH, nor is the CSH the only factor responsible for foam formation and stabilisation. Other possible explanations for mechanisms of foaming and ways to control it are addressed.

Details

Title: Activated sludge foaming: what causes hydrophobicity and can it be manipulated to control foaming?
Authors: H M Stratton (Author) - La Trobe University
R J Seviour (Author) - La Trobe University
Peter R Brooks (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast - Faculty of Science, Health and Education
Publication details: Water science and technology : a journal of the International Association on Water Pollution Research, Vol.37(4-5), pp.503-509
Publisher: IWA Publishing
Date published: 1998
DOI: 10.1016/S0273-1223(98)00152-8
ISSN: 0273-1223
Organisation Unit: School of Science and Engineering - Legacy; University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland; School of Science, Technology and Engineering; Centre for Bioinnovation
Language: English
Record Identifier: 99450072902621
Output Type: Journal article

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