What do you mean by Biofilm?
A biofilm is a collection of microbial cells that has been irrevocably attached to a surface and is encased in a polysaccharide matrix. Noncellular elements such as mineral crystals, corrosion particles, clay or silt particles, or blood components may also be found in the biofilm matrix, depending on the environment in which the biofilm has evolved. The genes transcribed by biofilm-associated organisms differ from those transcribed by planktonic organisms.
Biofilms can grow on a number of surfaces, including living tissues, indwelling medical devices, piping in industrial or potable water systems, and natural aquatic systems. Scanning electron micrographs of biofilms from an industrial water system and a medical device, respectively, demonstrate the varied nature of biofilms. The biofilm in the water system is quite complex, incorporating corrosion products, clay, freshwater diatoms, and filamentous bacteria. On the other hand, the biofilm on the medical device appears to be made up of a single coccoid organism and its associated extracellular polymeric substance (EPS) matrix.
How do we harness the power of microorganisms in WWTP using biofilms?
Biofilm principles were discovered long before the creation of the Activated Sludge Process, which is one of the most well-known wastewater treatment methods in the world. As a result, modified biofilms were used in ASP wastewater treatment by the early half of the twentieth century. Many industries are working continuously to improve the effectiveness of biological wastewater treatment employing biofilms over many decades.
Biofilms have been proven to be far more efficient and effective than plank tonic cells in wastewater treatment systems. Furthermore, wastewater treatment plants provide a steady supply of food in the form of carbon and other nutrients found in waste, creating an ideal habitat for bacteria to survive and develop.
The elimination of biological nutrients, which contaminate water bodies and produce eutrophication, resulting in fish deaths and the degradation of the aquatic ecosystem, is one of the key goals of the wastewater treatment process. Furthermore, it has the potential to harm the natural environment, as well as animal life and the human population.
The activated sludge technique, which is simply floc, is used to remove hazardous nutrients. These flocs are biofilms with a protective environment made up of EPS and bacteria. It has been shown to degrade a wide range of organic molecules, as well as nitrogen and phosphorus compounds. It can also capture viruses, nanoparticles, and heavy metals due to its sticky nature. Biofilms help bacteria recover faster and boost the treatment process in instances where wastewater systems receive a large amount of garbage.
Biofilm’s Benefits in Wastewater Treatment
- Biofilm protects bacteria from environmental stress and antimicrobial substances by acting as a home for them.
- Allows for operational flexibility as well as quick turnaround times.
- An increase in the amount of time biomass concentrations spend in the air.
- Slower microbial growth rates result in lesser sludge output.
- Extreme changes in the wastewater environment are not a problem for the microbes in the biofilm.
Conclusion
Netsol Water is one of the leading firms that has created innovative biological treatment solutions for industrial and sewage treatment. The Netsol product line includes a powerful microbial mix that aids in the degradation of organic waste and improves the efficiency of biological wastewater treatment. Netsol products can be used to meet effluent release criteria while also protecting the environment.
Netsol Water is Greater Noida-based leading water & wastewater treatment plant manufacturer. We are industry's most demanding company based on client review and work quality. We are known as best commercial RO plant manufacturers, industrial RO plant manufacturer, sewage treatment plant manufacturer, Water Softener Plant Manufacturers and effluent treatment plant manufacturers. Apart from this 24x7 customer support is our USP. Call on +91-9650608473, or write us at enquiry@netsolwater.com for any support, inquiry or product-purchase related query.