Ciliated protozoa are one of the most relevant biological communities in the reactors of wastewater treatment plants. These organisms are excellent tools to assess the biological status of the reactor being used to monitor wastewater treatment plants performance. This book has been designed to simplify identification of ciliates, bearing in mind the difficulties on the manipulation and proper identification of these species. The specific role of ciliates in WWTP is discussed; methods for observation together with a glossary of scientific words and a simple and easy key to the taxonomic groups of ciliates are also provided. Illustrations, drawings, photographs and brief morphological descriptions of the species are included. Guidelines for the Identification of Ciliates in Wastewater Treatment Plants is the first book to use the new official classification proposed by the Society of Protozoologists (2005). It includes a complete chapter on methodology that is designed to be easy to follow and reproduce. A simple key to classify main taxonomic groups and genera is included, as are detailed descriptions to aid observation and identification of species of ciliates, in addition to drawings and photographs that accurately reproduce ciliate species.

This book emphasises the important role that protozoa play in many natural ecosystems. To shed new light on their individual adaptive skills, the respective chapters examine the ecology and functional biology of this diverse group of eukaryotic microbes. Protozoa are well-established model organisms that exemplify many general problems in population ecology and community ecology, as well as evolutionary biology. Their particular characteristics, like large population sizes, life cycles and motile sensory behaviour, have a profound impact on their survival, distribution, and interaction with other species. Thus, readers will also be introduced to protozoan habitats in a broad range of environments. Even though this group of unicellular organisms is highly diverse, the authors focus on shared ecological patterns. Students and scientists working in the areas of eukaryotic microbiology and ecology will appreciate this updated and revised 2nd Edition as a valuable reference guide to the “lifestyles” of protozoa.

Wastewater Treatment: Cutting-Edge Molecular Tools, Techniques and Applied Aspects reports new findings in existing molecular biology strategies, including their limitations, challenges and potential application to remove environmental pollutants through advancements made in cutting edge tools. In addition, the book introduces new trends and advances in environmental bioremediation with thorough discussions on recent developments in this field. - Describes the application of different omics tools in wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) - Describes the role of microorganisms in WWTPs - Points out the reuse of treated wastewater through emerging technologies - Includes the recovery of resources from wastewater - Emphasizes the need for the use of cutting-edge molecular tools

Removal of Toxic Pollutants through Microbiological and Tertiary Treatment: New Perspectives offers a current account of existing advanced oxidation strategies - including their limitations, challenges, and potential applications - in removing environmental pollutants through microbiological and tertiary treatment methods. The book introduces new trends and advances in environmental bioremediation technology, with thorough discussion of recent developments in the field. Updated information as well as future research directions in the field of bioremediation of industrial wastes is included. This book is an indispensable guide to students, researchers, scientists, and professionals working in fields such as microbiology, biotechnology, environmental sciences, eco-toxicology, and environmental remediation. The book also serves as a helpful guide for waste management professionals and those working on the biodegradation and bioremediation of industrial wastes and environmental pollutants for environmental sustainability. - Introduces various treatment schemes, including microbiological and tertiary technologies for bioremediation of environmental pollutants and industrial wastes - Includes pharmaceutical wastewater, oil refinery wastewater, distillery wastewater, tannery wastewater, textile wastewater, mine tailing wastes, plastic wastes, and more - Describes the role of relatively new treatment technologies and their approaches in bioremediation, including molecular and protein engineering technologies, microbial enzymes, bio surfactants, plant-microbe interactions, and genetically engineered organisms - Provides many advanced technologies in the field of bioremediation and phytoremediation, including electro-bioremediation technology, microbial fuel cell technology, nano-bioremediation technology, and phytotechnologies

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.

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 volume describes the methods used in the surveillance of drinking water quality in the light of the special problems of small-community supplies, particularly in developing countries, and outlines the strategies necessary to ensure that surveillance is effective.