title: Development and implementation of microbial sensors for efficient process control in wastewater treatment plants.
abstract: This paper demonstrates the functionality, laboratory testing and field application of a microbial sensor, which can be modified to monitor organic pollution extent, toxicity and over-(under)load of wastewaters both under anaerobic and aerobic conditions. Since nitrification is related to protons formation and the addition of alkaline is necessary for pH control, an aerobic biosensor monitoring Na(2)CO(3) consumption was developed and practically implemented to control the nitrification process. As CO(2) is the respiration product from aerobic degradation which can be correlated to the organic pollution extent, the previous biosensor was modified to monitor and measure the online toxicity and BOD/COD. Under anaerobic conditions, the online measurement of NaOH consumption and biogas production allowed the detection of toxicity incidents and over-(under)load in the influent. Such toximeters get in contact with the wastewater the earliest possible, providing sufficient time for protection of sensitive biological wastewater treatment processes and for the implementation of control and management strategies.
authors.affiliation: Department of Environmental Engineering, Laboratory of Wastewater Management and Treatment Technologies, Democritus University of Thrace, Vas. Sofias 12, 67100 Xanthi, Greece. pmelidis@env.duth.gr
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Melidis
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Vaiopoulou
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Aivasidis
mesh_terms: D001391:Azo Compounds / Q000494:pharmacology; D019149:Bioreactors; D015374:Biosensing Techniques; D001709:Biotechnology / Q000379:methods*; D002245:Carbon Dioxide / Q000737:chemistry; D004396:Coloring Agents / Q000494:pharmacology; D004867:Equipment Design; D006863:Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; D007220:Industrial Waste; D009584:Nitrogen / Q000737:chemistry; D010100:Oxygen / Q000737:chemistry; D012722:Sewage; D012972:Sodium Hydroxide / Q000737:chemistry; D014865:Waste Disposal, Fluid; D018508:Water Purification / Q000379:methods*
chemical_list: D001391:Azo Compounds; D004396:Coloring Agents; D007220:Industrial Waste; D012722:Sewage; D002245:Carbon Dioxide; D012972:Sodium Hydroxide; D009584:Nitrogen; D010100:Oxygen