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Filamentous Identification New training program
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What are Filamentous Bacteria and why are they important to my system?
Filamentous Bacteria are a type of bacteria that can be found in a wastewater treatment system. They function similar to floc forming bacteria in that they degrade BOD quite well. In small amounts, they are quite good to a biomass. They can add stability and a backbone to the floc structure that keeps the floc from breaking up or shearing due to turbulence from pumps, aeration or transfer of the water. In large amounts they can cause many problems. Filaments are bacteria and fungi that grow in long thread-like strands or colonies. I do not have filamentous bacteria at my plant! Are you sure? Check here. Filamentous Identification- lab testing inquiries Filamentous Bacteria have Positive aspects:
Filamentous Bacteria have Negative aspects:
Typical SSV30 with Filamentous Bulking
Typical SSV30 after treatment of Filamentous Bulking for three days with Sodium Hypochlorite better known as bleach What are some of the Major Causes of Filamentous Bacteria?
Filamentous Identification- Why is it used? Filamentous Identification should be used as a tool to monitor the health of
the biomass when a filament problem is suspected. Filamentous Identification is
used to determine the type of filaments present so that a cause can be found and
corrections can be made to the system to alleviate future problems. All
Killing the filaments with chlorine or peroxide will temporarily remove the filaments, but technically it is a band-aid. A process change must be made or the filaments will return with time eventually. Find out what filaments are present, find out the cause associated with them and make a process change for a lasting fix to the problems. Here are most of the major filaments: Filaments, their causes and suggested controls Low DO Filaments Control Type 1701 Adjust the aeration rates or S. natans F/M( based on aeration solids) H. hydrossis (Long RAS lines or sludge held too long in the clarifier H. can sometimes cause the growth of low DO filaments even if the aeration basin has sufficient DO.
Thiothrix, Nutrient addition BOD ratio 021N and N. limicola III of 100:5:1 suggested Low F/M ratios Control 0041, Nocardia Use of selector, increase RAS, 1851, 0961 Increase WAS 0803 0675 Microthrix Parvicella, Sulfide Compounds or Septic Wastes Control Thiothrix, Pre aeration or pre- Beggiatoa chlorination, Check solids holding times, clarifers, digestors 021N, 0914 EQ tanks, process side holding tanks, dewatering tanks Low FM and septic conditions 0092, N. limicola II, 0914, 0581,0961, 0411 Low pH (< 6.5) Control Fungal filaments Adjust the pH High Grease and Oil Control Nocardia, M. parvicella and Type 1863 Primary clarifier, bioaugmentation
Some filaments have more than one version of the filament species, with slightly different characteristics for identification.
Environmental Leverage can help you with a Filamentous Identification. Filamentous Identification Filaments can be internally or externally and they can be free of the floc structures or found intertwined in the floc. Most labs think that filaments need to be extending from the floc in order to be a problem. That is not true. Internal filaments can cause more problems than external filaments. Think of internal filaments causing a structure like a sponge. It will retain water easily and be harder to dewater, will be hard to compress and will take up more space, thereby increasing solids handling costs. Filaments present in the system do not always have to mean a problem. Some filaments are good if they form a strong backbone and add a rigid network to the floc. They help give the floc more structure and settle faster. Filaments are good BOD degraders also. They are only a problem when they become dominant. If filament abundance is in the abundant or excessive range, having a Filamentous Identification performed is recommended.
Start your way now to a cleaner, brighter effluent with fewer hassles in your waste treatment plant. Ok, you convinced me. How do I go about sending in a sample? Contact Jennifer or Dan at Environmental Leverage- 1-630-906-9791 to set up sampling. What will I need to send in? Send in 100 mls of MLSS in a small, plastic bottle with at least 1-2 inches of headspace in the bottle. Seal the bottle carefully. Send overnight by UPS, Fed ex- etc. If possible, pack with blue ice to keep refrigerated. Wastewater Biomass only- $250.00 WBA plus Filamentous ID with CD including photos and Digital videos- $350.00 India Ink Stain- India Ink is used as a quick and dirty test to tell one of two things. This is an excellent quick and dirty test that can be used daily. One drop of India ink is added to one drop of the biomass. Everything will be dark except for the polymer generated by the biomass. A normal biomass will have some bright areas relative to the size of the floc structures. Extremely bright or excessive areas will indicate one of two things. A toxic shock to the system or nutrient deficiency. If there are higher life forms present, then a shock can instantly be ruled out and nutrient deficiency can be verified.
Stains, what to use and where to find them If you are interested in having a Filamentous Identification of your wastewater system performed please fill out the form below for sample submission.
Wastewater Biomass Analyses Brochure
Start your way now to a cleaner, brighter effluent with fewer hassles in your waste treatment plant. Filamentous bulking vs. Zoogleal bulking Wastewater Biomass Analyses Brochure How are your bugs doing? Filamentous Identification Training class Filamentous Identification The Easy Way- Training program CD Wastewater Biomass Analyses Brochure
The Most Comprehensive Filamentous Bacteria Training Program you will find!!! Sample Case History
Information Request Form
Copyright ©2003 Environmental Leverage Inc. All rights reserved.
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filamentous
bacteria usually have a process control variation associated with the type of
filament present that can be implemented to change the environment present and
select out for floc forming bacteria instead.
Wastes with Limited Nutrients (N or P)
Control
Well
that is great, but I do not have the abilities to identify filaments in my lab
myself, now what do I do?
When Gram and
Neisser stains are performed for filamentous Identification, the types of
filaments found present will be noted on the Floc Characterization sheet to the
right of the filament section and will be noted on the Cover Sheet. A Filament
Causes sheet, Filamentous Predominance sheet and corrective actions will be
given and included also with the report. A Filamentous Worksheet will be
included. Individual sheets on the actual filaments present in the sample will
be included with more information on that particular filament. 
