This book has been a long time in preparation. Initially it grew out of our frustrating attempts over the past ten years to identify the filamentous bacteria seen in large numbers in most activated sludge plants, and the realization that we know very little about them and the other microbial populations in these systems. Unfortunately this book does not provide many answers to the problems these filamentous bacteria can cause, but we hope it might encourage microbiologists and engineers to communi cate more with each other and to spend some time trying to understand the tax onomy, ecology and physiology of activated sludge microbes. It is now very timely, for example, to try to provide these filamentous bacteria with proper taxonomically valid names and to determine their correct place in bacterial classifications. This book is not meant to compete directly with the books by Gray (1989, 1990) nor the excellent manual published by Jenkins and coworkers (1993b), which has been invaluable to us and others trying to identify filamentous bacteria. Wanner's book (1994a) also provides an excellent account of the problems of bulking and foaming caused by filamentous bacteria. These publications and others by Eikelboom's group have made an enormous contribution to the study of filamentous bacteria, and will con tinue to do so.

Wastewater Microbiology focuses on microbial contaminants found in wastewater, methods of detection for these contaminants, and methods of cleansing water of microbial contamination. This classic reference has now been updated to focus more exclusively on issues particular to wastewater, with new information on fecal contamination and new molecular methods. The book features new methods to determine cell viability/activity in environmental samples; a new section on bacterial spores as indicators; new information covering disinfection byproducts, UV disinfection, and photoreactivation; and much more. A PowerPoint of figures from the book is available at ftp://ftp.wiley.com/public/sci_tech_med/wastewater_microbiology.

Activated Sludge Separation Problems: Theory, Control Measures, Practical Experiences, Second Edition, describes the most common activated sludge separation problems and explains the main reasons for the growth of the different filamentous microorganisms in activated sludge. The book summarizes the identification techniques for important groups of activated sludge microorganisms both based on conventional microscopic analysis and using the biological molecular tools available today (FISH and PCR). This new edition, with 70% new and updated material, also provides explanation of basic activated sludge process principles and of parameters necessary for process control and operation. The theory of secondary clarifies is described to the extent necessary for understanding the construction and operation of secondary clarifiers. The activated sludge reactor and secondary clarifies are treated as one system and the interactions are explained. The wide range of experiences around the world is documented and the methods to avoid the proliferation of these organisms are presented and critically reviewed. Activated Sludge Separation Problems consists of six chapters, presenting up-to-date technical and scientific aspects of these processes. The new edition also features an extended list of literature references for further reading. The book will be a valuable help for students of environmental engineering, wastewater specialists, plant operators and designers of activated sludge plants. It is also useful for specialists in wastewater operation laboratories, especially for those studying activated sludge separation properties.

Microbial Ecology of Activated Sludge, written for both microbiologists and engineers, critically reviews our current understanding of the microbiology of activated sludge, the most commonly used process for treating both domestic and industrial wastes. The contributors are all internationally recognized as leading research workers in activated sludge microbiology, and all have made valuable contributions to our present understanding of the process. The book pays particular attention to how the application of molecular methods has changed our perceptions of the identity of the filamentous bacteria causing the operational disorders of bulking and foaming, and the bacteria responsible for nitrification and denitrification and phosphorus accumulation in nutrient removal processes. Special attention is given to how it is now becoming possible to relate the composition of the community of microbes present in activated sludge, and the in situ function of individual populations there, and how such information might be used to manage and control these systems better. Detailed descriptions of some of these molecular methods are provided to allow newcomers to this field of study an opportunity to apply them in their research. Comprehensive descriptions of organisms of interest and importance are also given, together with high quality photos of activated sludge microbes. Activated sludge processes have been used globally for nearly 100 years, and yet we still know very little of how they work. In the past 15 years the advent of molecular culture independent methods of study have provided tools enabling microbiologists to understand which organisms are present in activated sludge, and critically, what they might be doing there. Microbial Ecology of Activated Sludge will be the first book available to deal comprehensively with the very exciting new information from applying these methods, and their impact on how we now view microbiologically mediated processes taking place there. As such it will be essential reading for microbial ecologists, environmental biotechnologists and engineers involved in designing and managing these plants. It will also be suitable for postgraduate students working in this field.

A practical guide to wastewater bacteria and the roles they perform in wastewater treatment Communicating material in a practical manner for operators and technicians who regulate and troubleshoot their wastewater treatment processes, Wastewater Bacteria discusses the effective control and proper operation of aerobic (activated sludge) and anaerobic (anaerobic digesters) biological treatment units to ensure that an adequate, active, and appropriate population of bacteria is present in each treatment unit. It is a hands-on guide to understanding the biology and biological conditions that occur at each treatment unit. Avoiding unnecessary technical jargon and chemical equations, Wastewater Bacteria, the fifth book in the Wastewater Microbiology Series, explores and explains: * Bacteria and the wastewater environment * Enzymes and sludge production * Nitrogen, phosphorus, and sulfur bacteria * Floc formation and filamentous organisms * Nitrification and denitrification * Sulfate reduction, fermentation, and methane production * Toxicity * Foam and malodor production The goal of Wastewater Bacteria is to enable plant operators to achieve the twofold basic objectives of wastewater treatment-to degrade organic wastes to a level where a significant, dissolved oxygen demand is not exerted upon receiving waters and to remove nutrients to levels where photosynthetic organisms in receiving waters are limited in their growth. This straightforward manual equips plant technicians to meet these objectives with essential information to understand the biological processes and organisms involved in wastewater treatment.

This title is only available as a free copy to download from the WaterWiki. To download your free copy of the eBook, click here. The manual can be used independantly but when used in combination with the CD-ROM, it makes a unique tool for process operators to diagnose and solve operational problems. It is also a valuable educational and training package for universities and post experience courses. Click here for more details about the CD-ROM Process stability and final effluent quality largely depend upon the composition of the biomass in an activated sludge plant. Operational problems such as bulking and scum formation occur when the wrong micro-organisms are dominating the sludge population. Microscopic sludge investigation is therefore essential for process control and stable plant operation. The manual outlines the theoretical framework, extensively illustrated with full-colour micrographs. Contents Microscopy Microscopic sludge investigation Characteristics of activated sludge flocs Filamentous micro-organisms Protozoa and metazoa Conclusions of microscopic sludge investigation The activated sludge process Operational problems Bulking sludge Scum formation

This book provides a very basic overview of microorganisms relevant to wastewater treatment plant operator. It easy-to-understand language it provides explanations and descriptions of helpful and harmful bacteria, protozoa, and metazoa, algae, and fungus -- and their specialized function in the treatment process, helping the operator to effectively manage the Plant bacterial process. Color photos and illustrations are included within the book and on the supplemental CD-ROM for quick identification under the microscope.