Activated sludge foaming: can phage therapy provide a control strategy?
Steve Petrovski A B and Robert Seviour A C
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations
A Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Microbiology, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Vic. 3086, Australia
B Email: steve.petrovski@latrobe.edu.au
C Email: r.seviour@latrobe.edu.au
Microbiology Australia 39(3) 162-164 https://doi.org/10.1071/MA18048
Published: 7 August 2018
Abstract
Foaming in activated sludge systems is a global problem leading to environmental, cosmetic and operational problems. Proliferation of filamentous hydrophobic bacteria (including the Mycolata) are responsible for the stabilisation of foams. Currently no reliable methods exist to control these. Reducing the levels of the filamentous bacteria with bacteriophages below the threshold supporting foaming is an attractive approach to control their impact. We have isolated 88 bacteriophages that target members of the foaming Mycolata. These double stranded DNA phages have been characterised and are currently being assessed for their performance as antifoam agents.
References
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