Objective
Bulking sludge in biological waste water treatment plants (WWTPs) causes environmental pollution, higher discharge costs and can lead to the temporary closure of production units. Fast and specific detection methods need to be developed for the identification of microorganisms causing bulking sludge. 16S rRNA sequences, specific DNA probes and automated methods will be developed and used for a quantitative and specific detection of these microorganisms in activated sludge. WWTP managment is improved based on retrieved correlations between WWTP process conditions and growth of specific filamentous microorganisms causing bulking sludge. Partners that are sought for this research programme include industrial partners with WWTPs (pulp and paper industry), partners with expertise in automated methods for sample processing and microorganism detection using techniques in molecular biology.
Funding Scheme
EAW - Exploratory awardsCoordinator
9704 CG Groningen
Netherlands
Participants (1)
4102 Ougree