Microscopic Examination of the Activated Sludge Process

A practical, hands-on guide to using the microscope to analyze activated sludge in wastewater treatment The microscope provides the wastewater treatment plant operator with a special tool for process control and troubleshooting of the activated sludge process. The operator can "read" the organisms and use them as "bioindicators" to determine if operational conditions are acceptable or not acceptable. Written for plant operators and technicians and avoiding unnecessary technical jargon, Microscopic Examination of the Activated Sludge Process explores and explains: Microscopy, including microscopic measurements and techniques Directions for preparing and applying microbiological stains and immobilizing agents and techniques for preparing wet mounts and smears How to identify various types of organisms, including: floc particles and foam; protozoa; rotifers; worms and worm-like organisms; crustaceans; filamentous organisms; and algae and fungi The collection, evaluation, and presentation of observations This straightforward guide includes figures, tables, worksheets, photomicrographs, and black-and-white drawings of many living, microscopic components of the activated sludge process. It equips plant operators and technicians to monitor, regulate, and troubleshoot the treatment processes and also serves as a valuable resource for research professionals and sanitary engineers in wastewater treatment.

Preface. Part I: Overview. 1. Introduction. 2. Mixed Liquor Biota Food Chain. 3. Samples. 4. Safety. Part II: Microscopy. 5. Rationale for Microscopy. 6. The Microscope. 7. Microscopic Measurements. 8. The Stereoscopic Binocular Microscope. 9. Equipment and Supplies. 10. Wet Mounts and Smears. 11. Staining Techniques. 12. Dispersed Growth. Part III: The Bulk Solution. 13. Particulate Material. 14. Spirochetes. Part IV: Floc Particles and Foam. 15. Floc Particles. 16. Tetrads. 17. Zoogloeal Growth. 18. Foam. Part V: Protozoa. 19. Protozoa. 20. Relative Predominance of Bacteria and Protozoa. Part VI: Rotifers. 21. Rotifers. Part VII: Worms and Wormlike Organisms. 22. Free-Living Nematodes. 23. Gastrotriches. 24. Water Bears. 25. Bristleworms. 26. Bloodworms. 27. Sludge Worms. Part VIII: Crustaceans. 28. Copepods and Cyclops. 29. Water Fleas. 30. Ostracoda. Part IX: Filamentous Organisms. 31. Filamentous Organisms. Part X: Algae and Fungi. 32. Algae. 33. Fungi. Part XI: Collection, Evaluation, and Presentation of Observations. 34. Microscopic Set-up and Rating Tables. 35. Worksheets. 36. Report of Microscopic Examination. References. Abbreviations and Acronyms. Chemical Compounds. Glossary. Index.