Naslov
The applicability of the Sludge Biotic Index in a facility treating sugar refinery effluents and municipal wastewater

Autori
Kepec, Mirjana ; Matoničkin Kepčija, Renata ; Vlaičević, Barbara ; Kepec, Slavko ; Gulin, Vesna

Izvornik
Water environment research (1061-4303) (2020); 0

Vrsta, podvrsta i kategorija rada
Radovi u časopisima, članak, znanstveni

Ključne riječi
microfauna, ciliates, bioindicators, wastewater, purification efficiency

Sažetak
Protozoans are valuable indicators of the wastewater biological treatment process and are used in a variety of water resource recovery facilities (WRRF). The aim of this study was to determine the applicability of the Sludge Biotic Index (SBI) as an indicator of activated sludge purification efficiency during different influent loadings: municipal wastewater (M) and municipal wastewater combined with industrial wastewater from a sugar refinery (M + S). Despite the higher organic load during the M + S period, purification efficiency was higher for BOD5, compared with the M period. SBI values were high during both periods, indicating stable sludge, excellent biological activity, and good to very good performance. According to the share of indicator taxa, better conditions of activated sludge were found during the M + S period. Protozoan abundance differed between the two study periods, as well as purification efficiency for some parameters. Certain taxa showed a significant correlation with purification efficiency for specific parameters. Although SBI is a useful tool for estimating activated sludge health, it should be used in combination with additional indicator metrics and/or a species‐specific approach.

Izvorni jezik
Engleski

Znanstvena područja
Biologija

POVEZANOST RADA