Investigation of functional diversity and activated sludge condition using Biolog® System

Abstract

Activated sludge method dominates among the currently used biological wastewater treatment systems. The dynamic development of this technology implies need for research, most of which are carried out in laboratory conditions. Biolog system seems to be an effective tool that allows a quick assessment of microbial activity of activated sludge. The aim of this study was to verify Biolog® EcoPlates’ usage for comparing the functional and metabolic diversity of activated and excess sludge microbial communities, collected from WWTP “Klimzowiec” in Chorzów with the excess sludge subjected to the purification process, and then long-term adaptation in laboratory conditions. Changes in the functional diversity of activated sludge during the adaptation in the lab-scale were verified. It was found that the acclimatization process plays a crucial role in sludge adaptation to the laboratory environment. In addition, it has been shown that subjecting the excess sludge to purification may lead to changes in functional diversity of this community.