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CE 421/521- Environmental Biotechnology

Mechanisms, Models and Major Factors of Anaerobic Granulation and Characterization of Anaerobic Granules

 Michael J. Roth

 ABSTRACT

Considerable research has gone into developing an understanding of the anaerobic granulation process.  Anaerobic granular processes are advantageous compared to other biological wastewater treatment processes in terms of biomass retainment, contaminant transformation, waste loading rates, and overall size (Liu, Xu et al., 2002).  Understanding the factors that affect the anaerobic granulation process is important for the successful start-up and operation of new anaerobic granular processes.  Anaerobic granulation is a complex process in which a number of physicochemical and biological parameters are involved.  Thermodynamic considerations have lead to a variety of models to interpret the role of physicochemical forces.  Numerous factors, such as temperature, pH, cation addition, and substrate types, have been researched for their influence on development and growth of anaerobic granules. Results from research suggest that simultaneous interaction of multiple physicochemical and biological parameters are necessary to ensure successful anaerobic granulation. The investigation of anaerobic granule composition has also shown that both physicochemical and biological parameters lead to the development of granules with varying microbial populations.  These microbial populations have been found to develop in layered structures for the benefit of syntrophic associations for the destruction of organic pollutants.  This paper provides a review of the current understanding of this process, including some of the mechanisms and models for anaerobic granulation, major factors influencing anaerobic granulation, and characteristics of anaerobic granules. 

 REFERENCES

Liu, Y.; Xu, H.L.; Show, K.Y.; Tay, J.H. (2002). Anaerobic Granulation Technology for Wastewater Treatment. World Journal of Microbiology & Biotechnology, 18, 99.