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Filamentous Identification

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Identification: Flagellates are single-celled protists with one or more flagella, whip-like organelles often used for propulsion. The flagella is used for movement through the liquid.

"Some flagellates live as colonial entities, while others function as a single cell." Most are free-living organisms, however, a number are parasitic or pathogenic for animals and humans.  They multiply by binary fission and some species posses cyst stages. Flagellates range in size from 5-20 µm. Many flagellates are able to feed autotrophically as well as heterotrophically.

There are two primary groups of flagellates. The Peranema belongs to the group which ingests its food. The other group of flagellates is more like bacteria. They don't ingest whole food. They take in food that is already partially "digested."  Dinoflagellates are important primary producers (photosynthesisers) in lakes and oceans, yet they can also ingest prey and feed in an animal-like fashion.
 

Additional Information: Flagellates are protozoa that are found in the group Mastigophora. Some types of flagellates commonly found in wastewater are Euglena, Trigonomonas, and Monas.

Recently flagellates were divided into additional categories-plant-like Phytomastigophora and Zoomastigophora.

Where they can be Found: Like their relatives the amoebae, flagellates are usually present when there are large amounts of soluble food available (high F:M or high BOD). They are found during start up when the sludge is young or after an upset, but will quickly predominate over the amoebae because they are more efficient feeders. They are often found in trickling filter, oxidation ponds, lagoons and activated sludge. Flagellates are one of the few protozoan form present in sludges that are strongly loaded. Their presence may indicate high soluble BOD levels.  Flagellates usually are present in very large numbers during initial start- up of a wastewater treatment plant, during recovery from a toxic discharge to the treatment plant, or at low D.O. levels. If flagellates are present as the dominant protozoan group, this could indicate an unstable wastewater environment and a sludge biomass that is very young.  Usually found in low MCRT or low HRT for activated sludge systems.  Lagoon systems are different and flagellates are often found in lagoons since it is harder to develop an older sludge in a lagoon with high flows.

More to come soon!

Flagellates Enlarged- additional photos of flagellates that have been enlarges - photos taken at 400x and 100x