THE BIOLOGICAL COMPONENT

OF THE ACTIVATED-
ACTIVATED-SLUDGE SYSTEM
 Bacteria, fungi, protozoa, and rotifers constitute the
biological component, or biological mass, of activated
sludge. In addition, some metazoa, such as nematode
worms, may be present. However, the constant agitation
in the aeration tanks and sludge recirculation are
deterrents to the growth of higher organisms.
 The species of microorganism that dominates a system
depends on environmental conditions, process design,
the mode of plant operation, and the characteristics of
the secondary influent wastewater. (Water Environment
Association, 1987)
Important genera of heterotrophic bacteria include
Achromobacter,, Alcaligenes
Achromobacter Alcaligenes,, Arthrobacter
Arthrobacter,,
Citromonas,, Flavobacterium
Citromonas Flavobacterium,, Pseudomonas
Pseudomonas,,
and Zoogloea
Zoogloea.. (Jenkins, et al., 1993)

PSEUDOMONAS SP.
Two genera of bacteria are responsible for the
conversion of ammonia to nitrate in activated
sludge, Nitrobacter and Nitrosomonas
Nitrosomonas..
(Water Environment Society, 1987)

NITROBACTER SP.
 The species of ciliated protozoa most commonly observed
in wastewater treatment processes include Aspidisca
costata,, Carchesium polypinum,
costata polypinum, Chilodonella uncinata,
uncinata,
Opercularia coarcta and O. microdiscum,
microdiscum,
Trachelophyllum pusillum,
pusillum, Vorticella convallaria and V.
microstoma.. (Curds and Cockburn, 1970)
microstoma

CARCHESIUM SP.
 Protozoa also act as indicators of a toxic
environment & excellent indicators of an aerobic
environment

OPERCULARIA SP VORTICELLA CONVALLARIA

ENTAMOEBA HISTOLYTICA ESCHERICHIA COLI
LECANE SP. HUMAN ADENOVIRUS 2
(ROTIFER)

HEPATITUS A VIRUS
POLIOVIRUS