Microscopic Analysis of Activated Sludge
24th September 2019, Wakefield
Times: 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Fee: £395 +VAT (includes course book)
Course Overview
Very few activated sludge plants have been completely free from foaming and bulking problems at some time and other plants suffer these problems on a routine basis. In a similar way poor solids removal, inefficient BOD removal, odour problems, inhibition and toxicity can all occur on a seemingly random basis. Routine sampling and chemical analysis from this is expensive, demanding and its interpretation is not always clear. By contrast microscopic examination of the microbial consortium in the treatment plant is simple, inexpensive and provides extensive information as to the likely causes of plant problems. The results can also be used to optimise the performance of the plant to ensure that effluent is as good as the plant is able to produce and that energy costs and sludge production are at a minimum.
There will be a maximum of 8 attendees on this course.
Course Aim
To understand the components of activated sludge, undertake microscopic analysis and options to manage filamentous bulking and/or foaming problems.
Learning is delivered through a combination of laboratory practical sessions and lectures.
Course Programme
- The Protozoa What are they? What conditions do they like/dislike? What they tell us about the process conditions. Which protozoa are healthy for the plant
- Lab session Using the microscope. Floc structure, Protozoa identification, Filament numbers
- Interpreting the results of microscopic examination Health of the plant, changes that may have occurred in the influent, process conditions (F/M, sludge age), problems with the process (low dissolved oxygen, under/overloading, Nutrient deficiency, toxicity)
- Filaments Identification, characteristics on wet mounts, cell size, shape, filament width, length, branching etc., Staining, Gram, Neisser, sulphur.
- Lab session Methods for identifying species, filament characteristics on wet mounts, identification charts, stained filament characteristics, Gram and Neisser Staining
- Control strategies for filamentous bacteria Chemical and physical strategies, chlorination, PAC, spray jetting, design considerations to eliminate filaments, selectors, floc loading, plug flow reactors
Trainer Profiles
Dean Herron 
Technical Manager
Dean leads the Aqua Enviro Technical team.
As a project manager he has also gained substantial experience in aerobic and anaerobic wastewater treatment technologies, having managed numerous laboratory and piloting studies, site optimisation and troubleshooting studies. He has carried out microscopy for hundreds of sites to help with plant monitoring and process improvements and he brings a wealth of knowledge in the practical implementation of microscopy for tackling the most challenging of process issues.
Charlotte Elliott 
Laboratory Manager
Charlotte leads Aqua Enviro’s laboratory team and heads up our internal training programme for activated sludge. She is responsible for ensuring that microscopy reports are up to standard and issuing to clients.
Matthew Smyth BSc, MRes, MBA, MCIWEM CSci CWEM 
Technical Director
Matt has been in wastewater and sludge for twenty years and works with water companies, industry and waste producers to develop and implement solutions. He has worked with hundreds of sites to improve wastewater treatment, manage filamentous foaming and bulking and reduce operating costs. He has viewed and reported upon thousands of microscopy samples.
Microscopy Glossary 
