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This book describes pathogen removal processes in aerobic granular sludge (AGS) wastewater treatment systems. Faecal indicators (E. coli, Enterococci, coliforms and bacteriophages) were tracked in full-scale AGS facilities and compared to parallel activated sludge (CAS) systems. AGS showed similar removals as the more complex CAS configurations. Removal mechanisms investigated in laboratory-scale reactors showed that the AGS morphology contributes to the removal processes. By tracking E. coli and MS2, it was observed that organisms not attached to the granules are predated by protozoa during aeration. 18S RNA gene analyses confirmed the occurrence of bacterivorous organisms (e.g., Epistylis, Vorticella, Rhogostoma) in the system. Particulate material in the feeding stimulated their development, and a protozoa bloom arose when co-treating with (synthetic) faecal sludge (4% v/v). An overview of the diverse eukaryotic community in laboratory reactors and real-life applications is also provided. The microbial diversity of the influent was different compared to AGS and CAS sludge samples. However, no clear differences were found between them on species level. This study contributes to a better understanding of the mechanisms behind pathogen removals in AGS systems.

Aerobic granular sludge technology will play an important role as an innovative technology alternative to the present activated sludge process in industrial and municipal wastewater treatment in the near future. Intended to fill the gaps in the studies of aerobic granular sludge, this thesis comprehensively investigates the formation, characterization and mathematical modeling of aerobic granular sludge, through integrating the process engineering tools and advanced molecular microbiology. The research results of this thesis contributed significantly to the advance of understanding and optimization of the bacterial granulation processes, the next generation of technology for cost-effective biological wastewater treatment.Dr. Bing-Jie Ni works at Advanced Water Management Centre (AWMC) of The University of Queensland, Australia.

Microbial granules have practical importance in anaerobic and aerobic biological wastewater treatment. Advantages of granules are retention of biomass in reactor, diversity of microorganisms, complex structure, and resistance to unfavorable conditions. Microbial granules can be used to treat municipal and industrial wastewater for removal of organic matter, xenobiotics, nutrients, and heavy metals. The book covers almost all aspects of formation and use of microbial granules in wastewater treatment. The data on aerobic microbial granulation are related mostly to laboratory systems due to few pilot systems in the world using aerobic microbial granules. However, by the analogy with anaerobic granulation, which is now used worldwide, it is possible to predict wide applications of aerobic granulation. This book will help researchers and engineers develop these new biotechnologies of wastewater treatment based on aerobic granulation. - Covers all aspects of formation, organization, and use of microbial granules in wastewater treatment - Integrates engineering, microbiology, and biotechnology of microbial granules - Comprises of deep fundamental data as well as practical information for applications of microbial granules in wastewater treatment