The Microbiology of Rotating Biological Contactor Films,

Abstract

The rotating biological contactor (RBC), a relatively new technique for aerobic biological wastewater treatment, offers a cost effective solution to this demand with the advantages of low energy and maintenance requirements, high organic removal efficiencies at short retention times, modular flexibility in design, and adaptability to a wide range of wastewater types and flows. In this research traditional light microscopy, interference optics, and transmission electron microscopy were used to examine the biofilm constituents of the first compartments of RBCs treating domestic wastewater. Two different types of RBC pilot plants were studied. Particular attention was directed to determining (1) the identity of the predominant filaments, (2) the morphological characteristics of single-celled bacteria present, and (3) the ultra-structural characteristics of the bacteria as a possible indicator of their physiological and ecological conditions.

Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jan 01, 1982
Accession Number
ADP000737

Entities

People

  • David L. Balkwill
  • Nancy E. Kinner
  • Paul L. Bishop

Organizations

  • University of New Hampshire

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Materials and Manufacturing Processes

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Bacteria
  • Biological Processes
  • Electron Microscopy
  • Maintenance
  • Maintenance Requirements
  • Microbiology
  • Microscopy
  • Optics
  • Pilot Plants
  • Transmission Electron Microscopy

Fields of Study

  • Environmental science

Readers

  • Environmental Engineering
  • Microbial Pathology
  • Thin Film Deposition Science.

Technology Areas

  • Biotechnology
  • Biotechnology - Bioremediation
  • Microelectronics