Process Monitoring through Microscopic Sludge Examination

Learning targets

For the proper functioning of wastewater treatment plants, adequate monitoring and good process control are essential. Microscopic sludge analysis contributes to this. But how do you perform such detailed analyses?

In the course Process Monitoring through Microscopic Sludge Examination, we guide you through the invisible world of sludge. You’ll discover how this research enables you to take timely action when needed, for example, to prevent issues with light sludge.

How do you translate your own microscopic observations of sludge into process(technology) measures? Join this course, and you’ll know the answer.

The following topics are covered: 

• microscopy: Setting up and using a microscope
• floc quality: Recognizing and identifying key characteristics of sludge flocs
• filamentous bacteria: Visual quantification and identification
• protozoa and Metazoa: Identification and their function as indicators
• other sludge characteristics, such as Poly-P bacteria and other mono-colonies
• diagnosing with microscopic observations and translating them into process(technology) measures
• industry-specific treatment problems (depending on group composition)

After completing this course, you will have the following knowledge and skills: 

• understanding sludge quality
• assessing floc quality
• taking technological measures based on your own observations

Program

Day 1: Flocs

• microscopy and safety
• floc morphology
• determining floc morphology, protozoa, and metazoa

Day 2: Light Sludge

• determining the filament index
• combating light sludge
• identifying filamentous microorganisms

Day 3: Sludge Characteristics

• various sludge characteristics
• identifying filamentous microorganisms

Day 4: Techniques

• floating layers: causes and prevention
• molecular techniques
• industrial light sludge

Day 5: Acting Based on Sludge Profile

• microscopic sludge profile
• process monitoring and troubleshooting

Personal Contribution

At World Water Academy, it’s all about both knowledge and practice. Therefore, we expect each participant to bring their own work experience to the course. What challenges are you facing? And what experiences can you share so that others can learn from them? Of course, it is possible (and highly educational!) to bring your own sludge sample to assess under expert guidance.

Target group

The Process Monitoring through Microscopic Sludge Examination course is intended for process operators, advisors, supervisors, and wastewater treatment and process technologists who monitor the quality of sludge at wastewater treatment plants.

Entry Level

You should have at least an MBO (secondary vocational education) background. Additionally, we expect that you have completed the Advanced Wastewater Treatment Technology course or have extensive experience with treatment processes.