The dynamics of granule formation were studied using cells from two bench-scale UASB Reactors. The objective was to elucidate factors which influence formation and maintenance of highly active self-agglomerated microbial biomass. Simultaneous examination of biological and physical parameters was performed during the start-up of a calcium-positive (100 mg/1) reactor and a reactor without added calcium. The influence of carbon nutrients and Ca++ on the cell surface and microbial aggregation was studied. The granules formed in both reactors but were larger in the calcium-positive reactor in which they settled 3-4 times faster. A higher rate of biomass accumulation also was evident in the calcium-positive reactor and this allowed a more frequent increase in the substrate loading rate and earlier development of the granular sludge.
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Research Article|
January 01 1987
The Effect of Calcium on Microbial Aggregation during UASB Reactor Start-Up
E. M. Mahoney;
E. M. Mahoney
*Chemical and Biochemical Engineering, The University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario N6A 5B9, Canada
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L. K. Varangu;
L. K. Varangu
*Chemical and Biochemical Engineering, The University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario N6A 5B9, Canada
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W. L. Cairns;
W. L. Cairns
*Chemical and Biochemical Engineering, The University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario N6A 5B9, Canada
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N. Kosaric;
N. Kosaric
*Chemical and Biochemical Engineering, The University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario N6A 5B9, Canada
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R G. E. Murray
R G. E. Murray
**Microbiology and Immunology, Faculties of Science and Medicine, The University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario N6A 5C1, Canada
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Water Sci Technol (1987) 19 (1-2): 249–260.
Citation
E. M. Mahoney, L. K. Varangu, W. L. Cairns, N. Kosaric, R G. E. Murray; The Effect of Calcium on Microbial Aggregation during UASB Reactor Start-Up. Water Sci Technol 1 January 1987; 19 (1-2): 249–260. doi: https://doi.org/10.2166/wst.1987.0206
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