Scanning electron microscope investigation of activated sludge and activated carbon from a wastewater purification process

Abstract

Investigation of activated sludge (AS) and activated carbon (AC) in the processing of mixed oil refinery and municipal wastewater was carried out. Scanning electron microscopy and standard microbiological culture methods were used. The microbiological analysis showed a difference in the abundance of bacteria in AS and AC, but a qualitative difference of the microflora of these two habitats was not detected. The scanning electron microscopy of AS and AC showed, in both habitats, the diversity and heterogeneity of the microflora, and pointed to a very similar composition of the biological communities. The micro-organisms of both AS and AC had a rich production of extracellular material which could be important for adsorption in the process of water purification. © 1989.