CONTROLLING OPTIONS OF BULKING SLUDGE

This study targeted to control the growth of filamentous microbial species inherent in the activated sludge unit of Antalya Municipal Wastewater Treatment Plant. Samples taken from the aeration tank of the plant were treated both chemically and physically for bulking sludge control. The methods employed were chemical oxidation by chlorine as well as hydrogen peroxide. and physical treatment by ultrasonic irradiation, which also comes up with chemical oxidation through generated oxidizing agents. The predominating species in the diverted sludge were Nocardia spp., Thiotrix spp., as well as Type 021N and Type 0041. The most efficient method towards their control turned out to be chlorination, among the three methods employed. During the experimental studies. it was determined that, although almost all of the filamentous bacteria are destroyed, the sludge volume index (SVI) value remained high. implying that preventing the development of bulking conditions should have the priority rather than acting attempts to surpass the multiplied growth.