Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Microbial film development in a trickling filter

  • Published:
Microbial Ecology Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

The transmission and scanning electron microscopes were employed to visualize the sequence of the biofilm development in the trickling wastewater filter. After the deposit of a small amount of debris upon a hard surface, the bacterial cells attach and develop the matrix on which the biofilm is formed. Protozoa invade the basic layer where they feed on the bacteria. The algae are seeded upon the bacterial matrix and grow so profusely that the bacteria must develop aerial colonies in the competition for food and oxygen. Destruction of the bacteria in the matrix and the weight and hydraulic pressure cause detachment of the biofilm and a new matrix must be developed.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  1. Butterfield, C. T., and E. Wattie. 1941. Studies of sewage purification. XV Effective bacteria in purification by trickling filter.Pub. Health Rep. 56: 2445–2464.

    Google Scholar 

  2. Cooke, W. B., and A. Hirsch. 1958. Continuous sampling of trickling filter populations. II Populations.Sewage and Ind. Wastes 30: 138–156.

    Google Scholar 

  3. Cooke, W. B. 1959. Trickling filter ecology.Ecology 40: 273–291.

    Google Scholar 

  4. Corpe, W. A. 1970. An acid polysaccharide produced by a primary film-forming marine bacterium. Developments Industrial Microbiology.Amer. Inst. Biol. Sci. 11: 402–412.

    Google Scholar 

  5. Crisp, D. J., and J. S. Ryland. 1960. Influence of filming and of surface texture on the settlement of marine organisms.Nature (London) 185: 119.

    Google Scholar 

  6. Hoehn, R. C., and A. D. Ray. 1973. Effects of thickness on bacterial film.J. Water Poll. Control Fed. 45: 2302–2320.

    Google Scholar 

  7. Miller, M. A., J. C. Rapean, and W. F. Whedon. 1948. The role of slime film in the attachment of fouling organisms.Biol. Bull. Woods Hole 94: 143.

    Google Scholar 

  8. Wattie, E. 1942. Culture characteristics of zooglea-forming bacteria isolated from activated sludge and trickling filters.Pub. Health Rep. 57: 1519–1534.

    Google Scholar 

  9. Wood, E. J. F. 1967. Microbiology of Oceans and Estuaries. Elsevier Oceanography Series, Vol. 3. Elsevier Publishing Co., New York, Chapter VIII, pp. 206–225.

    Google Scholar 

  10. ZoBell, C. E. 1939. Fouling of submerged surfaces and possible preventive procedures. The biological approach to the preparation of antifouling paints.Paint, Oil and Chem. Rev. 101: 74–77.

    Google Scholar 

  11. ZoBell, C. E. 1943. The effect of solid surfaces upon bacterial activity.J. Bacteriol. 46: 39–56.

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Institute of Water Research and Department of Microbiology, Michigan State University, 48824, East Lansing, Michigan

    W. N. Mack

  2. Center for Electron Optics, Michigan State University, 48824, East Lansing, Michigan

    J. P. Mack & A. O. Ackerson

Authors
  1. W. N. Mack
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. J. P. Mack
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. A. O. Ackerson
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Mack, W.N., Mack, J.P. & Ackerson, A.O. Microbial film development in a trickling filter. Microb Ecol 2, 215–226 (1975). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02010441

Download citation

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02010441

Keywords

Search

Navigation