Structural, physicochemical and microbial properties of flocs and biofilms in integrated fixed-film activated sludge (IFFAS) systems

Integrated fixed-film activated sludge systems (IFFAS) may achieve year-round nitrification or gain additional treatment capacity due to the presence of both flocs and biofilms, and the potential for multiple redox states and long solids retention time. Flocs and biofilms are distinctive microbial structures and characterization of the physicochemical and structural properties of these may provide insight into their respective roles in wastewater treatment and contaminant removal in IFFAS. Flocs and biofilms were examined from five different pilot media systems being evaluated for potential full scale implementation at a large municipal wastewater treatment plant. Flocs and biofilms within the same system possessed different surface characteristics; flocs were found to have a higher negative surface charge (−0.35 to −0.65 meq./g VSS) and are more hydrophobic (60%–75%) than biofilms (−0.05 to −0.07 meq/g VSS; 19–34%). The EPS content of flocs was significantly higher (range of 2.1–4.5 folds) than that of biofilms. In floc-derived extracellular polymeric substances (EPS), protein (PN) was clearly dominant; whereas in biofilm-derived EPS, PN and polysaccharide (PS) were present in approximately equal proportions. Biofilm EPS had a higher proportion of DNA when compared to flocs. Biofilm growth was preferential on the protected internal surfaces of the media. Colonization of the external surfaces of the media was evident by the presence of small microcolonies. The structural heterogeneity of the biofilms examined was supported by observed differences in biomass content, thickness and roughness of biofilm surface. The biofilm on the interior surface of media was found to be patchy with clusters of cells connected by an irregular arrangement of interconnecting EPS projections. Biofilm thickness ranged between 139 μm and 253 μm. The pattern of oxygen penetration is expected to be complex. Nitrifiers and denitrifiers were predominantly associated with the biofilms, and the latter were found to be dispersed throughout the film and arranged in micro-clusters, suggesting partial oxygen penetration.

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► Properties of IFFAS flocs and biofilms examined and distinctive features revealed.
► Biofilm properties and denitrifiers indicate complexity of O2 penetration.
► Unique combination of suspended and fixed film structures key to IFFAS potential.