Survey of filamentous bacteria in activated sludge plants in KwaZulu-Natal

Abstract

The objective of this investigation was to conduct a survey of filamentous bacteria present in activated sludge plants in Durban and surrounding areas (KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa). A diverse population of filamentous bacteria was identified. Dominant filamentous bacteria identified from mixed liquor samples in descending order of frequency included: (1) Nocardia spp., (2) Type 0041, (3) Type 0675, (4) Type 1851, (5) Type 021N, (6) Nosticola limicola II, (7) Sphaerotilus natans, (8)Thiothrix I and II and (9) Beggiatoa. Nocardia spp. were the only dominant filamentous bacteria present in foam samples, while Type 0914, Microthrix parvicella and Sphaerotilus natans occurred incidentally. All filamentous bacteria identified were present throughout the year. Nocardia spp. and Microthrix parvicella were found to be dominant during winter months. It can be concluded that filamentous populations are significantly affected by seasonal and influent variations. * To whom all correspondence should be addressed.

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