Structure and methanogenic activity of granules from an ASBR treating dilute wastewater at low temperatures

The microstructure of ASBR granules treating synthetic substrate consisting of non-fat-dry-milk at temperatures of 5, 15 and 25°C was analyzed by scanning and transmission electron microscopy. The specific methanogenic activity of the granules was tested at 35°C using acetate and mixtures of acetate and propionate as substrates. Results revealed no significant variation in microbial structure for the different temperature conditions. Granules at 15 and 25°C exhibited uniform structure, predominantly Methanothrix -like microorganisms, while granules at 5°C indicated the existence of a layered structure. This reinforces the hypothesis that layering is largely substrate specific, but also suggests that temperature may have a role. Activity tests revealed that even after long periods of operation at psychrophilic temperatures, mesophilic bacteria are active and have the ability to rapidly degrade acetate and mixtures of acetate and propionate.