Abstract
EFFLUENT purifications systems based on the “activated sludge system” contain a naturally occurring population of microorganisms which can be represented as a continuous-flow culture of either chemostat or plug-flow type. In the ideal chemostat type the culture is completely mixed, whereas in the ideal plug-flow type it flows through the vessel without mixing. Both types of system are used, but the choice seems arbitrary although recent theory suggests that the chemostat system is better1. In view of the large capital sums now being invested in sewage disposal, the arbitrary design of the activated sludge process2 calls for urgent investigation. A case in point is the effect of protozoa on the process.
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PIRT, S., BAZIN, M. Possible Adverse Effect of Protozoa on Effluent Purification Systems. Nature 239, 290 (1972). https://doi.org/10.1038/239290a0
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/239290a0
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