Microbial Ecology Principle of Activated Sludge Acclimation

Abstract:

Activated sludge is a complicated microbial ecosystem that has diversity. Based on the diversity, microorganisms are selected by acclimation condition: the survival of the fittest, otherwise eliminate through selection or contest. Moreover, microorganisms in activated sludge acclimatize themselves to acclimation conditions. In the process the ecosystem distributes and adjusts microbial niche over again. The theory of “selection and acclimatization” may be used to explain the mechanism of activated sludge acclimation. So then, original sludge, wastewater quality and treating process are major influencing factors for activated sludge acclimation.

Key words:Activated sludge acclimation, Microbial diversity, Selection and acclimatization, Factors of influence