Principles of Wastewater Microbiology



This course is available at these future events:
Gold Coast 2010

The aim of this course is to teach the microbiological principles that underpin biological wastewater treatment processes. Learn how carbon, nutrients (N&P) and pathogens are removed in biological wastewater treatment systems.  Who is responsible ? How do they do it ? How do we control them ? Who are the troublemakers ? Problems such as bulking and foaming will be discussed, and practical control strategies presented.

This is a practical course, and includes a one-day laboratory experience, where everyone will work with wastewater samples and use a variety of microscopy techniques.

ISSUES ADDRESSED

Day 1   Introduction to Wastewater Microbiology 

  • What is microbiology and which organisms are microbes ?
  • What roles do microorganisms play in wastewater treatment ?
  • How do they obtain energy and grow ?  
  • What is the cell genome and what does it do ?
  • Which organisms are found in activated sludge plants ?
  • How do we study activated sludge microbiology ?
  • Case Studies 1 – Troubleshooting activated sludge problems using microbiology 

Day 2   Nutrients, pathogens, bulking & foaming

  • The microbiology of nitrogen reduction

  • What role do microbes play in P removal ?
  • Problems that microbes cause in activated sludge
  • Which microbes cause bulking and how are they controlled ?
  • Which microbes cause foaming and how are they controlled ?
  • Pathogens in wastewater
  • What pathogens survive the activated sludge process and do we need to worry ?
  • Is recycling possible ?
  • Can microbiologists and engineers get it together ?!
  • Case Studies 2 -  Bulking and foaming problems.  

Day 3  In the laboratory

  • Introduction – why look down the microscope at your mixed liquor or foam ?
  • Video of what to expect when microscopically observing mixed liquor
  • Preparation of slides
  • How to use the microscope
  • Observing wet mounts – which are the protozoa?
  • Microscopy of mixed liquors
  • Identifying filamentous bacteria and poly-phosphate accumulating bacteria
  • Summing up – what did it all mean ?  How can I use this information ?

WHAT DO YOU GET ?

  • Course notes and CD
  • Access to two world-leading wastewater microbiologists and one leading wastewater process designer
  • The course will be led by Helen Stratton and Bob Seviour, with Peter Griffiths illustrating how core microbiological understanding can help with process design and operation
  • Core microbiological skills and understanding to take back to your workplace, which will enable you to analyse and trouble-shoot your wastewater problem
  • One day laboratory experience at Griffith University Gold Coast campus
  • Understanding of the organisms that make your wastewater treatment process work

WHO SHOULD ATTEND ?

Engineers, consultants, scientists, operators and managers with an interest to know how their biological wastewater treatment plant works. No prior knowledge of microbiology is assumed.


PRESENTERS:
Helen Stratton
Bob Seviour
Peter Griffiths