Effect of carbohydrates to protein in EPS on sludge settling characteristics

Extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) are believed to play a role in the binding and formation of microbial flocs. However, the precise role is not well known Sludge settling characteristics and the carbohydrate to protein ratio in EPS were tested with various airflow rates in this study. Sludge, was collected from three modified sequencing batch reactors (SBRs), which were operated at 16°C with an airflow rate of 0.8 L/min, 3L/min and 6 L/min, respectively. During the operation, the reactor operated at an airflow rate of 0.8 L/min showed sludge volume index (SVI) of 80 to 90 mL/g and a constant ratio of carbohydrate to protein in the EPS, while a significant increase in the SVI was seen in the other reactors. Sludge bulking increased the amount of carbohydrate in the EPS, while kept protein almost constant in the airflow rate of 3 L/min and 6 L/min. Surface charge also increased with increases in the carbohydrate to protein ratio in the EPS, which weakens the attraction between the EPS and multivalent cations. The ratio of carbohydrate to protein in the EPS was inferred to be essential for bioflocculation.