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5/14/2018 Adventures of Sludge Bugs - slidepdf.com
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The Adventures of The Adventures of
Sludge BugsSludge Bugs
Betsy BetrosBetsy Betros
Johnson County EnvironmentalJohnson County Environmental
DepartmentDepartment
Kansas Water EnvironmentKansas Water EnvironmentAssociationAssociation
Annual MeetingAnnual Meeting
April 3, 2007April 3, 2007
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Sludge bugsSludge bugs is a fun way to refer to theis a fun way to refer to the
microorganisms which inhabit wastewater microorganisms which inhabit wastewater treatment systems.treatment systems.
Sludge bugsSludge bugs include tiny single celledinclude tiny single celledorganisms such as bacteria too small toorganisms such as bacteria too small tobe seen individually, to big aquaticbe seen individually, to big aquatic
earthworms, visible to the naked eye.earthworms, visible to the naked eye.
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Microbe identificationMicrobe identificationprimarily for activatedprimarily for activated
sludge plants.sludge plants.
WWTPs are designedWWTPs are designed
to provideto provide UtopiaUtopia for for sludge bugs.sludge bugs.
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Keeping the Bugs Happy:Keeping the Bugs Happy: UtopiaUtopia
All they ³ask´ of us is to provide them plenty of All they ³ask´ of us is to provide them plenty of
oxygen and food and some extra nutrition if theoxygen and food and some extra nutrition if the
wastewater is a little shy on some.wastewater is a little shy on some.
And in turn they eat and eat and eat and begatAnd in turn they eat and eat and eat and begat
and begat and begat lots more sludge bugs!and begat and begat lots more sludge bugs!
Happy
Bugs
Unhappy
Bugs
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Nice to have some microNice to have some micro
critters that will eat our sh..!critters that will eat our sh..!
Keeping the Bugs HappyKeeping the Bugs Happy
isn¶t always easy!isn¶t always easy!
So«So«
Get to know your Get to know your
neighbors«the sludge bugs!neighbors«the sludge bugs!
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MicroMicro--managing«.the sludge!managing«.the sludge!
(they won¶t mind!)(they won¶t mind!)
Observe on a routine basis. Need toObserve on a routine basis. Need to
understand growth patterns.understand growth patterns.
Once a week is good.Once a week is good.
If problems«may need to do moreIf problems«may need to do more
often.often.
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Microbes, as with all living things,Microbes, as with all living things,
will live where theywill live where they cancan live.live.
Every species has tolerance limits.Every species has tolerance limits.
Physical factors:Physical factors: availability of availability of nutrients, temperature, dissolvednutrients, temperature, dissolvedoxygen level, toxicity of substances,oxygen level, toxicity of substances,pH, etc.pH, etc.
Biological factors:Biological factors: availability of foodavailability of food
source, competition for food, etc.source, competition for food, etc.
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It¶s all about ecology: interactions of It¶s all about ecology: interactions of
organisms with each other and their organisms with each other and their
environment to provide a sustainableenvironment to provide a sustainablebiological community.biological community.
From: Microbiology for Sanitary Engineers, Ross McKinney
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Bacteria are Key to the EfficiencBacteria are Key to the Efficienc
of Wastewater Treatmentof Wastewater Treatment Bacteria are not easily identifiable just looking atBacteria are not easily identifiable just looking atthrough a microscope. Use other microbes asthrough a microscope. Use other microbes asindicators.indicators.
Yet, it is the bacteria which are chowing* down on Yet, it is the bacteria which are chowing* down onall that tasty organic matter and ³stabilizing´ it byall that tasty organic matter and ³stabilizing´ it byturning it into more bacteria«which can form flocturning it into more bacteria«which can form flocand be removed from the system through settling.and be removed from the system through settling.
McKinney and Horwood discovered in the earlyMcKinney and Horwood discovered in the early1950s that many bacteria are capable of floc1950s that many bacteria are capable of flocformation.formation.** Bacteria do not actually ³chow´ down on food²they do not have mouths. A molecule of food linesup with a reactive site on the body, and with enzymes, a chunk of the molecule is taken into the bodyat a time, until the remaining portion of the molecule is no longer digestible.
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When lots of soluble foodWhen lots of soluble food
and limited microbial life:and limited microbial life: Bacteria,Bacteria,phytoflagellatesphytoflagellatesdominatedominate--take intake infood thru cell walls.food thru cell walls.
Bacteria reproduceBacteria reproducefast and quickly outfast and quickly out--compete thecompete theflagellates for theflagellates for thefood.food.
The phytoflagellatesThe phytoflagellatesdie off.die off.
Must have bacterial growth (prey)
before the protozoa (predators startup)
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MicroscopesMicroscopes
Compound Microscope vs.Compound Microscope vs.Stereoscope.Stereoscope.
Compound: highCompound: highmagnification, light goesmagnification, light goes
through sample and imagethrough sample and imageappears flat.appears flat.
Stereoscope: lowStereoscope: lowmagnification, usually for magnification, usually for
viewing opaque objects,viewing opaque objects,using reflected light, imageusing reflected light, imageis 3 dimensional becauseis 3 dimensional becausethere are two complete setsthere are two complete setsof optics for each eye piece.of optics for each eye piece.
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Stereo ViewingStereo Viewing--3D3D
Not needed for processNot needed for process
control, but get a wholecontrol, but get a whole
different view of different view of
microbes in 3D.microbes in 3D.
Can use transmitted
light or reflected light.
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Important Features of MicroscopeImportant Features of Microscope
Use a microscopeUse a microscopewith two eyepieces.with two eyepieces.
Mechanical stage.Mechanical stage.
3 objectives: 5X 10 X3 objectives: 5X 10 X40X or similar range.40X or similar range.
Oil immersion difficultOil immersion difficultto use with wetto use with wetmounts.mounts.
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Phase contrastPhase contrast
versus flat fieldversus flat field
Phase contrast is notPhase contrast is not
necessary for muchnecessary for much
routine work.routine work.
But«it can be very nice, sinceBut«it can be very nice, since
can see body parts muchcan see body parts much
easier.easier.
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Dark Field MicroscopyDark Field Microscopy
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Collect a sample of Collect a sample of
MLSS.MLSS.
Mix Well.Mix Well.
Put 1 to 2 drops onPut 1 to 2 drops on
the microscopethe microscope
slide.slide.
Using the MicroscopeUsing the Microscope
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Get Used to Looking thruGet Used to Looking thru
ScopeScope Don¶t worry aboutDon¶t worry about
names at first.names at first.
Draw simple sketches,Draw simple sketches,
make up a name.make up a name.
Look for the common ones first.Look for the common ones first.
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Develop a way to recordDevelop a way to record
your observations.your observations. Actual counts have limited use.Actual counts have limited use.
Maybe use a cross between ³quantitative´Maybe use a cross between ³quantitative´and ³qualitative.´and ³qualitative.´
e.g. rare, occasional, common.e.g. rare, occasional, common.
Variety of types is more important.Variety of types is more important.
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Look at Whole Slide FirstLook at Whole Slide First
--under low power under low power
Is anything moving?Is anything moving?
Are there any filaments?Are there any filaments?
Space between floc clear?Space between floc clear?
What are larger animals?What are larger animals?
What is the appearance of the sludge: granular,What is the appearance of the sludge: granular,flaky, normal, dark, light?flaky, normal, dark, light?
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Is it Floc?Is it Floc?
Floc is made up of Floc is made up of
living and deadliving and dead
bacteria whichbacteria whichgives it angives it an
³organic´ look.³organic´ look.
Dirt is made up of Dirt is made up of
minerals whichminerals which
gives it angives it an
³inorganic´ look.³inorganic´ look.
Floc
Dirt
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Is it Floc?Is it Floc?
Dirt: mineralsDirt: minerals
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Appearance of FlocAppearance of Floc
Look at under lowLook at under low
power.power.
Is floc wellIs floc well--formed?formed?
Is space betweenIs space between
floc clear?floc clear?
Is it ³normal´ for Is it ³normal´ for
your plant?your plant?
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Appearance of FlocAppearance of Floc
Look at under highLook at under high
magnification.magnification.
FilamentFilament
status«lots, notstatus«lots, not
many.many.
Well formed floc?Well formed floc?
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Appearance of FlocAppearance of Floc
Older sludges mayOlder sludges may
become more ³dirtbecome more ³dirt--like.´like.´
Darker, denser.Darker, denser.
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Appearance of FlocAppearance of Floc
Type of aeration affects flocType of aeration affects flocsize.size.
Inadequate shearing,Inadequate shearing,develops thicker floc whichdevelops thicker floc which
can promote filamentouscan promote filamentousbacterial growth which startsbacterial growth which startsgrowing in the anaerobicgrowing in the anaerobicinsides of the thicker floc.insides of the thicker floc.
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Appearance of FlocAppearance of Floc
Heavy polymer useHeavy polymer use
can yield oddcan yield oddlooking sludge thatlooking sludge that
still settles okay.still settles okay.
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Next Look at FilamentsNext Look at Filaments
Not necessary as aNot necessary as a
³backbone.´³backbone.´
Most sludge willMost sludge will
have some type of have some type of
filamentousfilamentous
growth.growth.
Usually bacterial.Usually bacterial.
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Filaments ³woven´ throughFilaments ³woven´ through
flocculesfloccules
Most sludges will tendMost sludges will tend
to have these types, butto have these types, but
not often a problem.not often a problem.
Poor shearing of sludgePoor shearing of sludge
by aeration system, canby aeration system, can
lead to extensivelead to extensive
growth.growth.
Slower settling sludge.Slower settling sludge.
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FilamentsFilaments--Extended from FlocExtended from Floc
Most common isMost common isS phaer oti lusS phaer oti lus, a, afilamentous bacteria.filamentous bacteria.
Filaments branching.Filaments branching.
Low oxygen.Low oxygen.
Can grow in highCan grow in highoxygen, if thick floc.oxygen, if thick floc.
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FilamentsFilaments--S phaer oti lusS phaer oti lus ³sewage³sewage
fungus´fungus´
Grossly polluted water Grossly polluted water
ways can haveways can have
extensive growths of extensive growths of
S phaer oti lusS phaer oti lus..
It is bacteria, notIt is bacteria, not
fungus.fungus.
Great indicator Great indicator
organism.organism.
Dark field illumination, stereoscope.
From a creek contaminated with
soft drink waste.
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FilamentsFilaments--Extended from FlocExtended from Floc
Pin Point FlocPin Point Floc--undesirable,undesirable,poor settling.poor settling.
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FilamentsFilaments--Extended from FlocExtended from Floc
Sludge ³BBs´Sludge ³BBs´
ExtendedExtended
aeration«winter,aeration«winter,reduced aeration,reduced aeration,resulted in slow roll.resulted in slow roll.
Created ³BBs´ withCreated ³BBs´ withfilaments. Anaerobicfilaments. Anaerobicin center of floc.in center of floc.
Sunk like a rock.Sunk like a rock.
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FilamentsFilaments--Free from FlocFree from Floc
Sulphur bacteria.Sulphur bacteria.
Can see sulphur Can see sulphur granules in thegranules in the
filaments.filaments.
Serious oxygenSerious oxygenproblems!problems!
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FilamentsFilaments--Free from FlocFree from Floc
Nocardia, a fungus.Nocardia, a fungus.
Free from floc.Free from floc.
Short branches.Short branches.
Thrives in foam fromThrives in foam fromover over--aged sludgeaged sludge
which is the brown,which is the brown,greasy type.greasy type.
³Greasiness´ is the³Greasiness´ is thepolysaccharidepolysaccharide
buildup.buildup.
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FilamentsFilaments--Free from FlocFree from Floc
Dried sludge onDried sludge onmicroscope slide.microscope slide.
SometimesSometimes
easier to assesseasier to assess
filaments. Canfilaments. Can
backtrack whenbacktrack whenit startingit starting
developing.developing.
Dried Nocardia
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Other FilamentsOther Filaments
Fungus growth.Fungus growth.
Low pH.Low pH.
Over digested sludgeOver digested sludge--
nitrous acid can form.nitrous acid can form.
Low N and P.Low N and P.
Fungal ³finger-like´ growth
from a grease ball.
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Other FilamentousOther Filamentous--lookinglooking
microbesmicrobes
Cocci chain bacteria.Cocci chain bacteria.
Lots of soluble food.Lots of soluble food.
Low D.O.Low D.O.
Serious operationalSerious operationalproblems!problems!
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NextNext--Look at the SludgeLook at the Sludge
Bugs«but first«is it aBugs«but first«is it a
Sludge Bug?!Sludge Bug?! If it is alive, itIf it is alive, it
probablyprobably willwill
move!move!
Air bubbles, clothAir bubbles, cloth
fibers, dirt, etc.fibers, dirt, etc.often deceive theoften deceive the
beginner.beginner.
Air Bubble
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Is it a Sludge Bug?Is it a Sludge Bug?
Human hair Human hair--large strandslarge strands
LintLint--small strands.small strands.
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Is it a Sludge Bug?Is it a Sludge Bug?
Polyester FibersPolyester Fibers
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Is it a Sludge Bug?Is it a Sludge Bug?
Toilet paper Toilet paper
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Is it a Sludge Bug?Is it a Sludge Bug?
Sometimes, just won¶t know what it is!Sometimes, just won¶t know what it is!
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Major Groups of SludgeMajor Groups of SludgeBugs:Bugs:
Protozoa,Protozoa,
Worms,Worms,
Rotifers,Rotifers,
Water Bears,Water Bears,GastrotrichsGastrotrichs
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Protozoa and Other MicrobesProtozoa and Other Microbes
Easily viewed under aEasily viewed under amicroscope.microscope.
Excellent indicator Excellent indicator
organisms.organisms.
With practice are fairlyWith practice are fairlyeasily identified.easily identified.
Most feed on bacteria.Most feed on bacteria.
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Look at Bigger Look at Bigger
Ones to StartOnes to Start Why?Why?
Well..they¶re big«Well..they¶re big«
and easier to see!and easier to see!
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Two Common WormsTwo Common Worms
Round WormsRound Worms
Aquatic EarthwormsAquatic Earthworms
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R ound W ormsR ound W orms In WWTP are freeIn WWTP are free--
living.living.
Move by whippingMove by whippingbody back and forth.body back and forth.
Common in activatedCommon in activatedsludge, need goodsludge, need goodD.O.D.O.
Eat chunks.Eat chunks.
Not usually a problem.Not usually a problem.
Not segmented.Not segmented.
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Aq u atic Aq u atic
E ar thwormsE ar thworms
Like garden wormsLike garden worms--stiff stiff hairs.hairs.
Segmented.Segmented.
Indicator of older sludges.Indicator of older sludges.
Eat chunks of floc.Eat chunks of floc.
Can be seen in supernateCan be seen in supernatewith the naked eye.with the naked eye.
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Aq u atic Aq u atic
E ar thwormsE ar thworms
Ael osoma Ael osoma--sometimessometimes
common.common.
Orange globules id it.Orange globules id it.
Aul ophorus Aul ophorus--forkedforkedtail.tail.
The older the sludge,The older the sludge,
the more aquaticthe more aquatic
earthworms.earthworms.
Not usuallyNot usually
considered a problem.considered a problem.
Ael osoma
Aul ophor u s
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Water Water
BearsBears TartigradesTartigrades
MultiMulti--celledcelled
Fun to watchFun to watch
High survival skills!High survival skills!
Water bears canWater bears cansurvive years in asurvive years in adesiccated state anddesiccated state andcan form a cyst state.can form a cyst state.
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Water BearsWater Bears
Females expel eggsFemales expel eggs
into their cuticle thatinto their cuticle that
they shed.they shed. Most species areMost species are
semisemi--aquatic.aquatic.
Generally, foundGenerally, found
more often in older more often in older sludges.sludges.
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GastrotrichsGastrotrichs
Ciliated, multiCiliated, multi--celledcelledanimal.animal.
Appear to have aAppear to have aneck.neck.
Smooth, gliding typeSmooth, gliding typemovement, usuallymovement, usuallyassociated with aassociated with asubstrate.substrate.
Eat bacteria, protozoa,Eat bacteria, protozoa,algae.algae.
Only females known.Only females known.
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Seed ShrimpsSeed Shrimps
OstracodaOstracoda
Occasionally seen,Occasionally seen,not important innot important in
process controlprocess control
evaluation.evaluation.
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RotifersRotifers
MultiMulti--celled animal.celled animal.
Important processImportant process
control indicators.control indicators.
Many speciesMany species--aquaticaquatic
and semiand semi--aquatic,aquatic,
from the Arctic tofrom the Arctic to
Antarctic!Antarctic!
Few males known.Few males known.
Two major groups.Two major groups.
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RotifersRotifers--twotwo
groupsgroups
Bdelliod:Bdelliod:
inchworminchworm--likelike
Ploimate: usuallyPloimate: usually
with a shellwith a shell
P hi l odina
P l atyias
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RotifersRotifers
Feed on chunksFeed on chunksof floc.of floc.
³Wheel animals´³Wheel animals´
Cilia on head,Cilia on head,pulls foodpulls foodinside.inside.
Mastax, foodMastax, foodgrinder uniquegrinder uniqueto rotifers.to rotifers.
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RotifersRotifers Well run plant.Well run plant.
Plenty of oxygen.Plenty of oxygen.
Mere presence doesn¶tMere presence doesn¶t
mean all¶s well.mean all¶s well.
Number and conditionNumber and condition
Ext. Aer. Plants tend to haveExt. Aer. Plants tend to havehighest diversity.highest diversity.
Which specific type in plant,Which specific type in plant,might not be significant.might not be significant.
Adineta
Rotifers can feed on chunks ofRotifers can feed on chunks of
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Rotifers can feed on chunks of Rotifers can feed on chunks of
floc«rather than depending on freefloc«rather than depending on free--
swimming bacteria.swimming bacteria.
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RotifersRotifers
The ³inchwormThe ³inchworm--
type´ is capable of type´ is capable of
forming aforming a
desiccated state todesiccated state tosurvive bad times,survive bad times,
particularly lowparticularly low
oxygen.oxygen.
Important indicator.Important indicator.
Desiccated
P hi l odina
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RotifersRotifers
M onosty l aM onosty l a
One footOne foot
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Rotifer Rotifer
C e phal odell aC e phal odell a²²2 feet2 feet
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Common ProtozoaCommon Protozoa
FlagellatesFlagellatesAmoebaAmoeba
Free Swimmer Free Swimmer
CrawlersCrawlersStalked CiliatesStalked Ciliates
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ProtozoaProtozoa--FlagellatesFlagellates
(wigglies!)(wigglies!) Tiny, wiggly.Tiny, wiggly.
Very common at startupVery common at startupand recovery.and recovery.
Will always have some.Will always have some.
Lots indicate lots of Lots indicate lots of
soluble food«they cansoluble food«they cancompete with bacteriacompete with bacteriaat that time.at that time.
PhytomastigophoraPhytomastigophora
take in food throughtake in food throughtheir cell membrane.their cell membrane.Only common when lotsOnly common when lotsof food and fewof food and fewbacteria.bacteria.
Zoomastigophora areZoomastigophora areanimalanimal--like in that theylike in that they³ingest´ their food,³ingest´ their food,bacteria.bacteria.
Which type you have?Which type you have?Really doesn¶t matter toReally doesn¶t matter toidentify.identify.
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Flagellum
ProtozoaProtozoa--FlagellatesFlagellates
Single cell animals.Single cell animals.
Use a flagellum toUse a flagellum tomove and to bringmove and to bringfood into ³mouth.´food into ³mouth.´
P er anemaP er anema--largest, notlargest, notunusual to have inunusual to have insludge.sludge.
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ProtozoaProtozoa--FlagellatesFlagellates
Di nobr yonDi nobr yon,,large, coloniallarge, colonialflagellate.flagellate.
Can swimCan swimfreely.freely.
SeenSeenoccasionally.occasionally.
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Other little wiggliesOther little wigglies
³spirillium´ bacteria³spirillium´ bacteria
Quite visible andQuite visible and
mobile.mobile.
Lots indicate poor Lots indicate poor
conditionsconditions--lowlowoxygen.oxygen.
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ProtozoaProtozoa--AmoebaAmoeba
Will always haveWill always havesome.some.
Lots more at startupLots more at startup
and recovery.and recovery.
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ProtozoaProtozoa--
AmoebaAmoeba Move by pushing outMove by pushing out
cell wall.cell wall.
Feed by engulfing foodFeed by engulfing food--
bacteria, algae with cellbacteria, algae with cell
wall.wall.
Tiny amoebaTiny amoeba--V ahlk amf iaV ahlk amf ia- - if lots, poor if lots, poor
conditions.conditions.
V ahlk amfia
Mayor ell a
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ProtozoaProtozoa--
AmoebaAmoeba Shelled amoebaShelled amoeba
³testate.´³testate.´
They actually makeThey actually make
shells by cementingshells by cementing
together tiny sandtogether tiny sand
grains!grains!
Ar c ell a Ar c ell a andand Eugl ypha Eugl ypha
most common.most common.
E ugl ypha
Arcell a
Arcell a
S i l tS i l t
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Scanning electronScanning electron
photograph of photograph of Eugl yphaEugl ypha
From: The Biology of Protozoa by Michael Sleigh
Made of silica.
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CiliatesCiliates--Free Swimmer Free Swimmer
Fine hair Fine hair--like cilia for like cilia for swimming and foodswimming and foodgathering.gathering.
Can swim ³freely´Can swim ³freely´thru water.thru water.
Primarily feed on freePrimarily feed on free--swimming bacteria.swimming bacteria.Some are predaceous.Some are predaceous.
High energy needs.High energy needs.
Cili tCili t FF
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CiliatesCiliates--FreeFree
SwimmersSwimmers
P ar ameci umP ar ameci um
Rare in activatedRare in activated
sludge.sludge.
Common in tricklingCommon in trickling
filters.filters.
Negatively geotactic!Negatively geotactic!
(they won¶t sink!)(they won¶t sink!)
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CiliatesCiliates--Free SwimmersFree Swimmers
C yc l i d i umC yc l i d i um
Feed on bacteria.Feed on bacteria.
Tends to be moreTends to be morecommon in poorer common in poorer conditions.conditions.
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CiliatesCiliates--Free SwimmersFree Swimmers
C ole psC ole ps
Barrel shaped.Barrel shaped.
Move, in a spinningMove, in a spinning
rolling motion, like arolling motion, like afootball.football.
Predaceous on other Predaceous on other
protozoa.protozoa.
Sensitive toN
HSensitive toN
H44
++
andandfree ammonia.free ammonia. (Bick)(Bick)
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CiliatesCiliates--Free SwimmersFree Swimmers
C hi l odenell aC hi l odenell a
Bacteria eater..note
cytostome. Also eat diatoms
and cyanobacteria.
Not uncommon even in
well run plants.
³scrubbrush´Mouth,
(Cytostome)
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CiliatesCiliates--Free SwimmersFree Swimmers
C hi l odenell aC hi l odenell a
ConjugationConjugation--typetype
of reproductionof reproduction
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CiliatesCiliates--Free SwimmersFree Swimmers
T r achel ophy llumT r achel ophy llum
³billy club,´ eat³billy club,´ eat
bacteria.bacteria.
Not uncommonNot uncommon
even in well runeven in well run
plants.plants.
Very flexibleVery flexible
bodies.bodies.
T rachel ophyllum-mouth on very end
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CiliatesCiliates--Free SwimmersFree Swimmers
Litonot usLitonot us, predaceous, predaceous
Litonot u s-mouth on sid e
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CiliatesCiliates--Free SwimmersFree Swimmers
Am phi le pt us Am phi le pt us
Note food vacuoles.Note food vacuoles.
Carnivorous onCarnivorous on
stalked ciliates.stalked ciliates. (Bick)(Bick)
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CiliatesCiliates--Free SwimmersFree Swimmers
C ol pi d i um,C ol pi d i um, kidneykidney
shaped.shaped.
Feed on bacteria andFeed on bacteria and
small flagellates.small flagellates. (Bick)(Bick)
If common, likelyIf common, likelyindicating poorer indicating poorer
conditions«especiallyconditions«especially
low oxygen.low oxygen.
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CiliatesCiliates--CrawlersCrawlers
Have thick ciliaHave thick ciliacalled cirri.called cirri.
³Crawl´ over ³Crawl´ over
substances.substances.
Not so good atNot so good atswimmingswimming
freely.freely.
Indicators of Indicators of stable sludge,stable sludge,healthyhealthy
conditions.conditions.
Crawlers and free-swimmers were lumped in as one
group at the time of this chart«later separated.
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CiliatesCiliates--CrawlersCrawlers
Eu pl ot esEu pl ot es
This is one similar toThis is one similar to As pi d i sca, As pi d i sca, but morebut more
ellipsoid in shape.ellipsoid in shape.
Can ³graze´ on bacteriaCan ³graze´ on bacteriaassociated with the flocassociated with the flocrather than freerather than free--swimmingswimming
bacteria.bacteria.
Lower energy needs thanLower energy needs thanfreefree--swimmer ciliates.swimmer ciliates.
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CiliatesCiliates--CrawlersCrawlers EuplotesEuplotes
Predaceous on flagellates,Predaceous on flagellates,algae, ciliates, bacterialalgae, ciliates, bacterialcolonies.colonies. (Bick)(Bick)
Side view. Suctorian having a tasty
E u pl ot e s for lunch.
CiliatesCiliates
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CiliatesCiliates--
CrawlersCrawlers
As pi d ica As pi d ica feed onfeed on
bacteria.bacteria.
Often the most commonOften the most common
along with the stalkedalong with the stalked
ciliate,ciliate, V or tic ell aV or tic ell a, in a, in a
healthy activated sludge.healthy activated sludge.
³ruffles potato chip´³ruffles potato chip´
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CiliatesCiliates--CrawlersCrawlers
As pi d i sca As pi d i sca
Reproduction viaReproduction via
cell division.cell division.
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CiliatesCiliates--CrawlersCrawlers
Oxytrichs feed onOxytrichs feed on
algae, flagellates,algae, flagellates,
and ciliates.and ciliates. (Bick)(Bick)
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CiliatesCiliates--Stalked CiliatesStalked Ciliates
Attached to a substrateAttached to a substrateby a ³stalk.´by a ³stalk.´
Cilia on ³head´ for Cilia on ³head´ for
bringing food into mouth.bringing food into mouth.All are bacteria feeders.All are bacteria feeders.
Usually indicative of Usually indicative of healthy conditions inhealthy conditions in
activated sludge.activated sludge.
Types and condition doTypes and condition dovary with activatedvary with activatedsludge conditions.sludge conditions.
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CiliatesCiliates--Stalked CiliatesStalked Ciliates
Two major groupsTwo major groups²²colonial and single.colonial and single.
Three main groups of colonial stalkedThree main groups of colonial stalkedciliates in activated sludge:ciliates in activated sludge: E pi sty l i s,E pi sty l i s,
O per c ul ar ia,O per c ul ar ia, andand C ar chesi um.C ar chesi um.
One main group of single stalked ciliatesOne main group of single stalked ciliates²²
V or tic ell a.V or tic ell a.
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CiliatesCiliates--Stalked CiliatesStalked Ciliates
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CiliatesCiliates--Stalked CiliatesStalked Ciliates
E pi sty l i sE pi sty l i s
Large colonies.Large colonies.
Stalks are nonStalks are non--contractile.contractile.
³Heads´ are like³Heads´ are likeV or tic ell a.V or tic ell a.
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CiliatesCiliates--Stalked CiliatesStalked Ciliates
O per c ul ar iaO per c ul ar ia
Colonial stalkedColonial stalked
ciliate.ciliate.
More common atMore common at
start up andstart up andrecovery.recovery.
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CiliatesCiliates--Stalked CiliatesStalked Ciliates
O per c ul ar iaO per c ul ar ia
Note ³cap´ on head:Note ³cap´ on head:
operculate.operculate.
CiliatesCiliates--StalkedStalked
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CiliatesCiliates--StalkedStalked
CiliatesCiliates C ar chesi umC ar chesi um
Contractile stalk, noteContractile stalk, note
³myoneme´ within³myoneme´ within
stalk which providesstalk which provides
this action.this action.
Heads are likeHeads are like
E pi sty l i sE pi sty l i s andandV or tic ell a.V or tic ell a.
Good sludgeGood sludge
conditions.conditions.
CiliatesCiliates--StalkedStalked
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CiliatesCiliates StalkedStalked
CiliatesCiliates
V or tic ell aV or tic ell a- - stalk canstalk cancontract due tocontract due to³myoneme.´³myoneme.´
Variety of species inVariety of species inactivated sludge.activated sludge.
Note large nucleus.Note large nucleus.
Note dots on stalkNote dots on stalk--thisthisparticular species isparticular species is
V . picta.V . picta.
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Vorticella of poor Vorticella of poor
conditionsconditions
TinyTiny V or tic ell a.V or tic ell a.
These aren¶tThese aren¶t
³baby´ vorticella¶s!³baby´ vorticella¶s!
Poor conditions.Poor conditions.
Stalked Ciliates of poorStalked Ciliates of poor
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Stalked Ciliates of poor Stalked Ciliates of poor
conditionsconditions
Most stalked ciliatesMost stalked ciliates
need good oxygen.need good oxygen.
Will try to escape if Will try to escape if
conditions get bad.conditions get bad.
Form a ³girdle´ of Form a ³girdle´ of cilia.cilia.
Stalked Ciliates of poorStalked Ciliates of poor
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Stalked Ciliates of poor Stalked Ciliates of poor
conditionsconditions Body detaches fromBody detaches from
stalk with a freestalk with a free--swimming ³telotroch´swimming ³telotroch´stage to help it get out of stage to help it get out of Dodge!Dodge!
Not indicative so muchNot indicative so muchof toxic conditions.of toxic conditions.Usually oxygenUsually oxygen----
telotroch needs to timetelotroch needs to timeto form.to form.
Stalked Ciliates of poorStalked Ciliates of poor
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Stalked Ciliates of poor Stalked Ciliates of poor
conditionsconditions V or tic ell aV or tic ell a reproducingreproducing
by cell divisionby cell division
If lots«they¶re tryingIf lots«they¶re tryingto get out of Dodge,to get out of Dodge,
too!too!
Stalked Ciliates of poorStalked Ciliates of poor
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Stalked Ciliates of poor Stalked Ciliates of poor
conditionsconditions
V or tic ell aV or tic ell a can alsocan also
form a ³cyst´ toform a ³cyst´ to
survive extendedsurvive extendedtimes of poor times of poor
conditions.conditions.
Note, the stalk isNote, the stalk is
still attached.still attached.
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CiliatesCiliates--Stalked CiliatesStalked Ciliates
Reproduction isReproduction isalways occurringalways occurringand it is only aand it is only a
concern if there isconcern if there isa sudden increase.a sudden increase.
Why it is importantWhy it is important
to observe your to observe your MLSS on a regular MLSS on a regular basis.basis.
Epistylis cell dividing
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CiliatesCiliates--Stalked CiliatesStalked Ciliates
V ag i nicol a V ag i nicol a hashasa sheatha sheatharound thearound thebody and doesbody and does
not appear tonot appear tohave a stalk.have a stalk.
GoodGoodconditions.conditions.
Look like stalked ciliatesLook like stalked ciliates--butbut
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Look like stalked ciliatesLook like stalked ciliates butbut
aren¶t!aren¶t!
SuctoriansSuctorians
Feed on other protozoa.Feed on other protozoa.
This one is feeding on aThis one is feeding on a
vorticella telotroch.vorticella telotroch.
If lots of protozoa«lotsIf lots of protozoa«lots
of suctorians.of suctorians.
S iS i
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SuctoriansSuctorians
Do have a stalk that
is attached to
substrate, cannot
contract.
Have tentacles
instead of cilia.
Mostly feed on
ciliates.
Numerous
suctorians,
using an
Epistylis
colony asthe
substrate!
SummarySummary
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SummarySummary
Get to know your activated sludgeGet to know your activated sludgemicrobes.microbes.
Get use to using your microscope!Get use to using your microscope!
Observe on a regular basis.Observe on a regular basis. Develop a way to record observations.Develop a way to record observations.
SS
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SummarySummary
Develop a routine way to observe.Develop a routine way to observe. Practice using the microscope on a regular Practice using the microscope on a regular
basis.basis.
Look at ³known´ stuff first, like TP, dirt.Look at ³known´ stuff first, like TP, dirt.
Look at big picture, first.Look at big picture, first.
Assess the floc condition. Assess the floc condition.
Assess the filaments occurrence and type. Assess the filaments occurrence and type.
Look at the diversity of microbes.Look at the diversity of microbes.
Record your observations.Record your observations.
Relate them to the operational status of your Relate them to the operational status of your
plant.plant.
SummarySummary
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SummarySummary
Wastewater Wastewater treatment is abouttreatment is aboutcreatingcreating U topiaU topia for for the sludge bugs!the sludge bugs!
SS
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SummarySummary
Why do we do this?Why do we do this?
Don¶t want to goDon¶t want to go
out to a creek or out to a creek or river and seeriver and see
scenes like this«..scenes like this«..
SummarySummary
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SummarySummaryWe want clean water We want clean water
for all«both us and thefor all«both us and therest of the organismsrest of the organisms
we share this planetwe share this planet
with!with!