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2.5.3.4 Scanning electron microscopy study <strong>of</strong> sludge samples<br />

Pillay (2006) studied samples <strong>of</strong> sludge from the <strong>pilot</strong>-<strong>scale</strong> ABR operating at two different flow rates<br />

using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). He tentatively identified <strong>anaerobic</strong> micro-organisms<br />

based on morphology and concluded that greater concentration and greater diversity <strong>of</strong> microorganisms<br />

were observed at lower flow rates. He was also not able to identify any Methanosaeta spp.<br />

in samples (Methanosaeta spp. are acetoclastic methanogens thought to be responsible for granule<br />

formation). These results are presented in some detail in Section 5.7.2.2.<br />

2.5.3.5 Pathogen indicator organism removal<br />

Pillay (Pillay, 2006) measured pathogen indicator organisms (E. Coli, total coliforms, coliphages and<br />

helminth eggs) in inflow and outflow streams <strong>of</strong> the <strong>pilot</strong>-<strong>scale</strong> ABR. Statistically significant removals<br />

<strong>of</strong> all <strong>of</strong> these indicators were observed, with highest removal rates for helminth eggs. However, the<br />

outflow stream still had unacceptably high pathogen loads, and it was concluded that further treatment<br />

would be required before effluent could be safely discharged to the receiving environment.<br />

These results are also presented in Appendix A3.3.2<br />

2.6 SUMMARY<br />

This chapter has presented a review <strong>of</strong> general theory <strong>of</strong> <strong>anaerobic</strong> digestion, <strong>anaerobic</strong> digester<br />

technology, <strong>anaerobic</strong> digestion <strong>of</strong> sewage and research into the <strong>anaerobic</strong> <strong>baffled</strong> <strong>reactor</strong>. Much<br />

research has been undertaken on <strong>baffled</strong> <strong>reactor</strong>s <strong>treating</strong> soluble or synthetic wastewaters, but limited<br />

work has been performed on the treatment <strong>of</strong> real <strong>domestic</strong> wastewater. Further, most studies were<br />

have been undertaken at laboratory <strong>scale</strong>. Therefore experimental work is required to develop an<br />

understanding <strong>of</strong> the application <strong>of</strong> ABR technology for large-<strong>scale</strong> treatment <strong>of</strong> <strong>domestic</strong> wastewaters<br />

in order that they may be adequately designed and maintained for this purpose.<br />

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