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. 2022 Apr 22:9:101710.
doi: 10.1016/j.mex.2022.101710. eCollection 2022.

Formulation of a protocol to evaluate the aerobic granulation potential (AGP) of an inoculum

Dayana Grisales Penagos  1 , Jenny Rodríguez Victoria  1 , Mateo Villarraga Manrique  1
Affiliations

Formulation of a protocol to evaluate the aerobic granulation potential (AGP) of an inoculum

Dayana Grisales Penagos et al. MethodsX. .

Abstract

This paper proposes and develops a protocol for measuring the aerobic granulation potential of sludge, aiming to provide an affordable and simple alternative that can facilitate the development of aerobic granulation technology. In this sense, the protocol comprises a set of parameters and considerations that interact to create a controlled environment and stimulate cell population clustering. All of this is done in the context of procedural simplicity, low cost, and the speed at which results are obtained. The protocol is essentially a three-stage method: preparation of the substrate, adaptation of the inoculum, and implementation of the protocol. Simple parameters were measured to evaluate the granulation process: SVI, settling velocity, and morphological parameters. The protocol was validated according to optimal ranges and criteria previously established in the literature. For this purpose, an activated sludge inoculum from a domestic wastewater treatment plant was submitted to the protocol, obtaining an optimal response of the biomass (SVI5 =13.90 mL g-1, settling velocity= 25,79 m h-1, Diameter > 0.2 mm) in a relatively short time (7 d). The results show that this protocol can constitute a tool for evaluation and decision-making using traditional laboratory equipment and is applicable at different scales.

Keywords: AGP, Aerobic Granulation Potential; Aerobic granules; COD, Chemical Oxygen Demand; DO, Dissolved Oxygen; EPS, Extracellular Polymeric Substance; F/M, Food Microorganism Relationship; H/D, Height Diameter Ratio; HRT, Hydraulic retention time; Inoculum; OLR, organic loading rate; PVC, Polyvinyl Chloride; Protocol; SBR, Sequential Batch Reactor; SVI, Sludge Volumetric Index; VER, Volumetric exchange ratio.

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Figures

Image, graphical abstract
Graphical abstract
Fig 1
Fig. 1
AGP protocol application stages.
Fig 2
Fig. 2
AGP protocol equipment.
Fig 3
Fig. 3
Preparation of the inoculum.
Fig 4
Fig. 4
General diagram of the SBR column reactor.
Fig 5
Fig. 5
Grid photographs of different objectives of the Neubauer chamber.
Fig 6
Fig. 6
Diagram of the process for determining settling characteristics and morphology.
Fig 7
Fig. 7
COD reduction during reactor operation.
Fig 8
Fig. 8
Development of aggregates during experimentation.
Fig 9
Fig. 9
Circularity and Roundness of biomass.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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