To evaluate the active of activated sludge by ATP (adenosine triphosphate)

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Dear all,

1.The active of activated sludge could evaluate by OUR (oxygen uptake rate), or to the level of microorganism, by evaluate the change of ATP value, or the gene mapping by NGS (next gen sequencing ).

2. If we choose the value of ATP,  to evaluate the active of activated sludge ,and investigate the reasons, such as operation parameters, DO, pH value, or the inflows,  and to do something in advance, any view or experience
can offer?

3.thank a lot.

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4 Answers

  1. It must be remembered that different organisms produce different levels of ATP.  I tried using the method to assess activity levels over 20 years ago and found difficulty in relating the level of ATP to the total bacterial activity.  If fungi or yeast are present, they contain higher levels of ATP as do protozoa, rotifers nematodes bristle worms.  So activity didn't tie up to the levels of ATP.

  2. In my view, sophisticated methods may have some value in research, but are not practical for day to day operation of a wastewater plant. Measurement of sludge yield and dissolved oxygen uptake rate is more than enough to monitor if an AS process is working properly.

  3. I can tell you that this has been tried before several times to make a true correlation.  ATP became popular with Cooling Tower Water Analysis, so wastewater guys thought this would make a good verification.  To my knowledge, this failed due to the diverse population of microbes and their state of flux going from living to shedding.  If you do get it to work, please share.  Thanks, Sean

  4. Mixed liquor OUR  measurement is best practice and will indicate the health of the mixed liquor.  Combine this test with BOD and routine microscopic evaluation of the mixed liquor to complete the monitoring. ATP will only tell you what is alive and dead/dormant.  Fairly black & white.

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