Enhanced efficiency of industrial-scale anaerobic digestion by the addition of glycosidic enzymes.

The results of the action of two glycosidic enzymes added to an anaerobic digester processing mixed wastewater sludge are reported in this paper. The experiment was performed at a continuously operating full-scale wastewater treatment plant during a 6-month period. The addition of the enzyme mixture resulted in improved gas production and dewatering properties.

Chemical sludge conditioning in combination with different conventional and alternative dewatering devices: chamber filter press, decanter and Bucher press.

The Kemicond process for sludge conditioning consists of chemical treatment with sulphuric acid and hydrogen peroxide at a pH-value of approximately 4 followed by a dewatering unit. It is shown that chemical treatment can improve the dewaterability of ferruginous digested sludge. It is concluded that the Fenton process as well as the oxidation of organics and the formation of iron hydroxo complexes are important reaction mechanisms.

[Fractions of barley spent grain as media for growth of probiotic bacteria].

The application of the protein and polysaccharide fractions of barley spent grain as a basis of growth media for probiotic bacteria was studied. High values of biomass yield, cell viability, and organic acid production were observed in the variants of media containing the barley spent grain supplemented with lactose, ascorbic acid, yeast extract, and mineral salts. Cells of lactic acid bacteria and bifidobacteria had the typical rod-shaped morphology.

The function of cation-binding agents in the enzymatic treatment of municipal sludge.

Treatment of sludge with enzymes has previously been shown to efficiently release organic matter. However, the added enzymes were partially adsorbed to, entrapped by or bound to the sludge structure. Simultaneous decrease of enzymes activities was observed.

Application of enzymes, sodium tripolyphosphate and cation exchange resin for the release of extracellular polymeric substances from sewage sludge. Characterization of the extracted polysaccharides/glycoconjugates by a panel of lectins.

The study describes extraction of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) from sewage sludge by applying enzymes and enzymes combined with sodium tripolyphosphate (STPP). Additionally, a systematic study of two non-enzymatic extraction agents is described. The assessment of the released products is made by colorimetrical methods and polysaccharides/glycoconjugates identification by the interaction with four immobilized lectins.