Quantitative image analysis for the characterization of microbial aggregates in biological wastewater treatment: a review

Nanogel-based coating as an alternative strategy for biofilm control in drinking water distribution systems

Biofilm formation and detachment in drinking water distribution systems (DWDS) can lead to several operational issues. Here, an alternative biofilm control strategy of limiting bacterial adhesion by application of a poly(N-isopropylmethacrylamide)-based nanogel coating on DWDS pipe walls was investigated. The nanogel coatings were successfully deposited on surfaces of four polymeric pipe materials commonly applied in DWDS construction. Nanogel-coated and non-coated pipe materials were characterized in terms of their surface hydrophilicity and roughness. Four DWDS relevant bacterial strains, representing Sphingomonas and Pseudomonas, were used to evaluate the anti-adhesive performance of the coating in 4 h adhesion and 24 h biofilm assays. The presence of the nanogel coating resulted in adhesion reduction up to 97%, and biofilm reduction up to 98%, compared to non-coated surfaces. These promising results motivate further investigation of nanogel coatings as a strategy for biofilm prevention in DWDS.

A Comprehensive Survey with Quantitative Comparison of Image Analysis Methods for Microorganism Biovolume Measurements

With the acceleration of urbanization and living standards, microorganisms play an increasingly important role in industrial production, bio-technique, and food safety testing. Microorganism biovolume measurements are one of the essential parts of microbial analysis. However, traditional manual measurement methods are time-consuming and challenging to measure the characteristics precisely. With the development of digital image processing techniques, the characteristics of the microbial population can be detected and quantified. The applications of the microorganism biovolume measurement method have developed since the 1980s. More than 62 articles are reviewed in this study, and the articles are grouped by digital image analysis methods with time. This study has high research significance and application value, which can be referred to as microbial researchers to comprehensively understand microorganism biovolume measurements using digital image analysis methods and potential applications.

Rapid quantification of intracellular polyhydroxyalkanoates via fluorescence techniques: A critical review

Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) are promising bioplastics with excellent physicochemical properties and biodegradability, whereas PHA products suffer from high manufacturing costs. To reduce costs of PHA production, experiments with mixed microbial cultures and low-cost substrates have been conducted widely, where rapid and robust PHA quantification methods are necessary. Compared with traditional gas chromatography methods, PHA fluorescence quantification (PHA-FQ) methods may be quicker, safer and more suitable for modern experiments with high throughput requirements. However, practical applications of PHA-FQ methods are still limited. Therefore, this review provides a comprehensive understanding of PHA-FQ methods. Performance of PHA-staining fluorochromes, relevant spectral properties, and important staining procedures are summarized. Current developments of PHA-FQ protocols are critically reviewed. Main considerations needed to make PHA-FQ protocol reliable are comprehensively discussed. Finally, potential improvements in various aspects of PHA-FQ methods are highlighted. This review could help researchers develop more effective PHA-FQ methods and facilitate future experiments related to PHA.

Monitoring morphological changes from activated sludge to aerobic granular sludge under distinct organic loading rates and increasing minimal imposed sludge settling velocities through quantitative image analysis

Quantitative image analysis (QIA) was used for monitoring the morphology of activated sludge (AS) during a granulation process and, thus, to define and quantify, unequivocally, structural changes in microbial aggregates correlated with the sludge properties and granulation rates. Two sequencing batch reactors fed with acetate at organic loading rates of 1.1 ± 0.6 kg_COD m^-3 d^-1 (R1) and 2.0 ± 0.2 kg_COD m^-3 d^-1 (R2) and three minimal imposed sludge settling velocities (0.27 m h^-1, 0.53 m h^-1, and 5.3 m h^-1) induced distinct granulation processes and rates. QIA results evidenced the turning point from flocculation to granulation processes by revealing the differences in the aggregates' stratification patterns and quantifying the morphology of aggregates with equivalent diameter (Deq) of 200 μm ≤ Deq ≤ 650 μm. Multivariate statistical analysis of the QIA data allowed to distinguish the granulation status in both systems, by clustering the observations according to the sludge aggregation and granules maturation status, and successfully predicting the sludge volume index measured at 5 min (SVI₅) and 30 min (SVI₃₀). These results evidence the possibility of defining unequivocally the granulation rate and anticipating the sludge settling properties at early stages of the process using QIA data. Hence, QIA could be used to predict episodes of granules disruption and hindered settling ability in aerobic granulation sludge processes.

Evaluation of Anionic and Cationic Pulp-Based Flocculants With Diverse Lignin Contents for Application in Effluent Treatment From the Textile Industry: Flocculation Monitoring

In wastewater treatment, flocculation is a widely used solid/liquid separation technique, which typically employs a charged polymer, a polyelectrolyte (PEL). Polyelectrolytes features, such as charge type, charge density and molecular weight, are essential parameters affecting the mechanism of flocculation and subsequent floc sedimentation. The effectiveness of the process is also influenced by the characteristics of the system (e.g., type, size, and available surface area of suspended particles, pH of the medium, charge of suspended particles). Thus, a good understanding of the flocculation kinetics, involved mechanisms and flocs structure is essential in identifying the most adequate treatment conditions, having also into consideration possible subsequent treatments. In this study, Eucalyptus bleached pulp and a cellulosic pulp with high lignin content (~4.5 wt%) obtained from Eucalyptus wood waste were used for bio-PELs production. Firstly, a pre-treatment with sodium periodate increased the pulps reactivity. To produce cationic cellulose the oxidation step was followed by the introduction of cationic groups in the cellulose chains, through reaction with Girard's reagent T. Applying different molar ratios (0.975 and 3.9) of Girard's reagent T to aldehyde groups led to cationic PELs with diverse charge density. On the other hand, to obtain anionic cellulose a sulfonation reaction with sodium metabisulfite was applied to the intermediate dialdehyde cellulose-based products, during 24 or 72 h, and anionic-PELs with diverse features were obtained. The developed water soluble, anionic and cationic bio-PELs were characterized and tested as flocculation agents for a textile industry effluent treatment. Initially, jar-tests were used to tune the most effective flocculation procedure (pH, flocculant dosage, etc.). Flocculation using these conditions was then monitored continuously, over time, using laser diffraction spectroscopy (LDS). Due to the small size of the dyes molecules, a dual system with an inorganic complexation agent (bentonite) was essential for effective decolouration of the effluent. Performance in the treatment was monitored first by turbidity removal evaluation (75-88% with cationic-PELs, 75-81% with anionic-PELs) and COD reduction evaluation (79-81% with cationic-PELs, 63-77% with anionic-PELs) in the jar tests. Additionally, the evolution of flocs characteristics (structure and size) during their growth and the flocculation kinetics, were studied using the LDS technique, applying the different PELs produced and for a range of PEL concentration. The results obtained through this monitoring procedure allowed to discuss the possible flocculation mechanisms involved in the process. The results obtained with the bio-PELs were compared with those obtained using synthetic PELs, commonly applied in effluents treatment, polyacrylamides. The developed bio-PELs can be competitive, eco-friendly flocculation agents for effluents treatment from several industries, when compared to traditional synthetic flocculants with a significant environmental footprint. Moreover, LDS proved to be a feasible technique to monitor flocculation processes, even when a real industrial effluent is being tested.

Digital Image Analysis for Morphological State Characterization of a Culture of Filamentous Microorganisms in Production of Antibiotics

The paper deals with the application of specific methods of digital image analysis for the monitoring of morphological changes in cultures of filamentous microorganisms. First, a sequence of digital image preprocessing and processing steps is proposed for the treatment of microscopic images of a filamentous culture. The preprocessing step include band pass filtering by the Difference of Gaussians filter featuring a novel approach to the task of parameters tuning, as well as the optimization of image porosity and image objects separation quality. In the processing step, the resulting enhanced images are subject to morphological state characterization using a set of several standard and modified morphological parameters. Descriptions of morphological states of different complexity are then discussed varying from the standard set of mean values of parameters to the set of parameters in their full histogram of value frequencies (distribution) form. For such complex descriptions also new fashions of graphical representation of results without loss of information are compared. The potential of the proposed full description of morphological behavior of the culture is demonstrated using a set of microscopic images taken during an industrial antibiotics production cultivation using a microorganism belonging into the Streptomyces genus. Finally, the cluster analysis is proposed for further automatic quantitative classification and interpretation of complex description of metabolic states.

Advanced characterization of natural biofilm on nanofiber scaffold

Nanofiber scaffolds provide numerous advantages over common carriers engineered for microorganisms. The most important advantage is an increased speed of primary surface colonization (up to four times faster), which shortens the time required for the areal biofilm formation and optimum performance of attached microorganisms (higher efficiency of biological activity of up to twice as fast). Image analysis predicts early formation of biofilm even in beginning stages; analysis of biofilm reveals the different structures of bacterial colonies on both scaffolds (higher porosity, size, and number of bacterial colonies on nanofiber’s surface). The image analysis correlates well with determinations of dry matter (linear correlation of 0.96) and proteins (linear correlation of 0.89).

A novel fluorescent long-chain fatty acid-substituted dye: labeling and biodegrading of Microthrix parvicella

Microthrix parvicella (M. parvicella) is a filamentous bacterium that induces bulking in activated sludge. Here, we used the affinity of long-chain fatty acids (LCFA) for M. parvicella to create a novel fluorescent probe of carbazole modified by LCFA. The structure was characterized by ¹H NMR spectroscopy and mass spectrometry. The spectral properties, photostability, and hydrophobic properties of the probe were also characterized. Fluorescent-labeling results showed that it can label M. parvicella in situ and could be biodegraded via metabolism. The stable docking mode of carbazole probes with different fatty acid chains and lipases was also docked by the density functional tight-binding (DFTB) method.

M. parvicella in situ could be biodegraded by a novel fluorescent probe of carbazole modified by LCFA(FP1).

Strategy to identify the causes and to solve a sludge granulation problem in methanogenic reactors: application to a full-scale plant treating cheese wastewater

Granulation of biomass is at the basis of the operation of the most successful anaerobic systems (UASB, EGSB and IC reactors) applied worldwide for wastewater treatment. Despite of decades of studies of the biomass granulation process, it is still not fully understood and controlled. "Degranulation/lack of granulation" is a problem that occurs sometimes in anaerobic systems resulting often in heavy loss of biomass and poor treatment efficiencies or even complete reactor failure. Such a problem occurred in Mexico in two full-scale UASB reactors treating cheese wastewater. A close follow-up of the plant was performed to try to identify the factors responsible for the phenomenon. Basically, the list of possible causes to a granulation problem that were investigated can be classified amongst nutritional, i.e. related to wastewater composition (e.g. deficiency or excess of macronutrients or micronutrients, too high COD proportion due to proteins or volatile fatty acids, high ammonium, sulphate or fat concentrations), operational (excessive loading rate, sub- or over-optimal water upflow velocity) and structural (poor hydraulic design of the plant). Despite of an intensive search, the causes of the granulation problems could not be identified. The present case remains however an example of the strategy that must be followed to identify these causes and could be used as a guide for plant operators or consultants who are confronted with a similar situation independently of the type of wastewater. According to a large literature based on successful experiments at lab scale, an attempt to artificially granulate the industrial reactor biomass through the dosage of a cationic polymer was also tested but equally failed. Instead of promoting granulation, the dosage caused a heavy sludge flotation. This shows that the scaling of such a procedure from lab to real scale cannot be advised right away unless its operability at such a scale can be demonstrated.

New insights in morphological analysis for managing activated sludge systems

In activated sludge (AS) process, the impact of the operational parameters on process efficiency is assumed to be correlated with the sludge properties. This study provides a better insight into these interactions by subjecting a laboratory-scale AS system to a sequence of operating condition modifications enabling typical situations of a wastewater treatment plant to be represented. Process performance was assessed and AS floc morphology (size, circularity, convexity, solidity and aspect ratio) was quantified by measuring 100,000 flocs per sample with an automated image analysis technique. Introducing 3D distributions, which combine morphological properties, allowed the identification of a filamentous bulking characterized by a floc population shift towards larger sizes and lower solidity and circularity values. Moreover, a washout phenomenon was characterized by smaller AS flocs and an increase in their solidity. Recycle ratio increase and COD:N ratio decrease both promoted a slight reduction of floc sizes and a constant evolution of circularity and convexity values. The analysis of the volume-based 3D distributions turned out to be a smart tool to combine size and shape data, allowing a deeper understanding of the dynamics of floc structure under process disturbances.

Microorganisms-based methods for harmful algal blooms control: A review

Harmful algal blooms (HABs) are a worldwide problem with numerous negative effects on water systems, which have prompted researchers to study applicable measures to inhibit and control them. This review summarized the current microorganisms-based methods or technologies aimed at controlling HABs. Based on their characteristics, these methods can be divided into two categories: methods based on single-species microorganisms and methods based on microbial aggregates, and four types: methods for rapid decrease of algal cells density (e.g., alga-bacterium and alga-fungus bioflocculation), inhibition of harmful algal growth, lysis of harmful algae (e.g. algicidal bacteria, fungi, and actinomycete), and methods based on microbial aggregates (periphytons and biofilms). An integrative process of "flocculation-lysis-degradation-nutrients regulation" is proposed to control HABs. This review not only offers a systematic understanding of HABs control technologies based on microorganisms but also elicits a re-thinking of HABs control based on microbial aggregates.

Design Mechanism and Property of the Novel Fluorescent Probes for the Identification of Microthrix Parvicella In Situ

In this study, two novel fluorescent probes, probe A and probe B were designed, synthesized and characterized, based on Microthrix parvicella (M. parvicella) preferring to utilize long-chain fatty acid (LCFA), for the labeling of M. parvicella in activated sludge. The molecular structure of probe A and probe B include long-chain alkane and LCFA, respectively. The results indicated that probe A and probe B had a large stokes shift of 118 nm and 120 nm and high quantum yield of 0.1043 and 0.1058, respectively, which were significantly helpful for the fluorescent labeling. As probe A was more stable than probe B in activated sludge, and the fluorescence intensity keep stable during 24 h, probe A was more suitable for labeling M. parvicella in situ. In addition, through the Image Pro Plus 6 (IPP 6) analysis, a quantitative relationship was established between sludge volume index (SVI) and integral optical density (IOD) of the labeled M. parvicella in activated sludge samples. The relationship between IOD and SVI conforms to Logistic curve (R² = 0.94).

A review of practical tools for rapid monitoring of membrane bioreactors

The production of high quality effluent from membrane bioreactors (MBRs) arguably requires less supervision than conventional activated sludge (CAS) processes. Nevertheless, the use of membranes brings additional issues of activated sludge filterability, cake layer formation and membrane fouling. From a practical standpoint, process engineers and operators require simple tools which offer timely information about the biological health and filterability of the mixed liquor as well as risks of membrane fouling. To this end, a range of analytical tools and biological assays are critically reviewed from this perspective. This review recommends that Capillary Suction Time (CST) analysis along with Total Suspended and Volatile Solids (TSS/VSS) analysis is used daily. For broad characterisation, total carbon and nitrogen analysis offer significant advantages over the commonly used chemical and biological oxygen demand (COD/BOD) analyses. Of the technologies for determining the vitality of the microbial biomass the most robust and reproducible, are the second generation adenosine-5'-triphosphate (ATP) test kits. Extracellular polymer concentrations are best monitored by measurement of turbidity after centrifugation. Taken collectively these tools can be used routinely to ensure timely intervention and smoother operation of MBR systems.

Microbial-based evaluation of foaming events in full-scale wastewater treatment plants by microscopy survey and quantitative image analysis

Activated sludge systems are prone to be affected by foaming occurrences causing the sludge to rise in the reactor and affecting the wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) performance. Nonetheless, there is currently a knowledge gap hindering the development of foaming events prediction tools that may be fulfilled by the quantitative monitoring of AS systems biota and sludge characteristics. As such, the present study focuses on the assessment of foaming events in full-scale WWTPs, by quantitative protozoa, metazoa, filamentous bacteria, and sludge characteristics analysis, further used to enlighten the inner relationships between these parameters. In the current study, a conventional activated sludge system (CAS) and an oxidation ditch (OD) were surveyed throughout a period of 2 and 3 months, respectively, regarding their biota and sludge characteristics. The biota community was monitored by microscopic observation, and a new filamentous bacteria index was developed to quantify their occurrence. Sludge characteristics (aggregated and filamentous biomass contents and aggregate size) were determined by quantitative image analysis (QIA). The obtained data was then processed by principal components analysis (PCA), cross-correlation analysis, and decision trees to assess the foaming occurrences, and enlighten the inner relationships. It was found that such events were best assessed by the combined use of the relative abundance of testate amoeba and nocardioform filamentous index, presenting a 92.9 % success rate for overall foaming events, and 87.5 and 100 %, respectively, for persistent and mild events.

Image processing for identification and quantification of filamentous bacteria in in situ acquired images

Background

In the activated sludge process, problems of filamentous bulking and foaming can occur due to overgrowth of certain filamentous bacteria. Nowadays, these microorganisms are typically monitored by means of light microscopy, commonly combined with staining techniques. As drawbacks, these methods are susceptible to human errors, subjectivity and limited by the use of discontinuous microscopy. The in situ microscope appears as a suitable tool for continuous monitoring of filamentous bacteria, providing real-time examination, automated analysis and eliminating sampling, preparation and transport of samples. In this context, a proper image processing algorithm is proposed for automated recognition and measurement of filamentous objects.

Methods

This work introduces a method for real-time evaluation of images without any staining, phase-contrast or dilution techniques, differently from studies present in the literature. Moreover, we introduce an algorithm which estimates the total extended filament length based on geodesic distance calculation. For a period of twelve months, samples from an industrial activated sludge plant were weekly collected and imaged without any prior conditioning, replicating real environment conditions.

Results

Trends of filament growth rate—the most important parameter for decision making—are correctly identified. For reference images whose filaments were marked by specialists, the algorithm correctly recognized 72 % of the filaments pixels, with a false positive rate of at most 14 %. An average execution time of 0.7 s per image was achieved.

Conclusions

Experiments have shown that the designed algorithm provided a suitable quantification of filaments when compared with human perception and standard methods. The algorithm’s average execution time proved its suitability for being optimally mapped into a computational architecture to provide real-time monitoring.

In situ microscopy as a tool for the monitoring of filamentous bacteria: a case study in an industrial activated sludge system dominated by M. parvicella

The present study demonstrates the application of in situ microscopy for monitoring the growth of filamentous bacteria which can induce disturbances in an industrial activated sludge process. An in situ microscope (ISM) is immersed directly into samples of activated sludge with Microthrix parvicella as dominating species. Without needing further preparatory steps, the automatic evaluation of the ISM-images generates two signals: the number of individual filaments per image (ISM-filament counting) and the total extended filament length (TEFL) per image (ISM-online TEFL). In this first version of the image-processing algorithm, closely spaced crossing filament-segments or filaments within bulk material are not detected. The signals show highly linear correlation both with the standard filament index and the TEFL. Correlations were further substantiated by comparison with real-time polymerase chain reaction (real-time PCR) measurements of M. parvicella and of the diluted sludge volume index. In this case study, in situ microscopy proved to be a suitable tool for straightforward online-monitoring of filamentous bacteria in activated sludge systems. With future adaptation of the system to different filament morphologies, including cross-linking filaments, bundles, and attached growth, the system will be applicable to other wastewater treatment plants.