Effect of Polymer on the Granular Biomass Activity, Size, and Morphology in the EGSB Reactor of the SWTP

Different doses of polymer (Solutrix100) on the biomass activity showed that increasing concentration up to 20 ppm did not affect the microbial activity (0.93 g/g Vs.d) as compared to control (0.83 g/g Vs.d). Instead, an increase of 21% was found in biomass activity with 20 ppm dose. However, an 18% decrease in biomass activity was found at 30 ppm as compared to control. Two polymer doses, 20 and 30 ppm, were applied, and the biomass activity was compared with the control. Different levels of COD were tested, ranging between 4869 to 6673 ppm, through the mill wastewater to see the effect of the polymer on the different parameters. Solutrix100 dose of 20 ppm increased by 2% pH. However, this dose slightly increased VFA production (51%) compared to the respective control (46%). sCOD removal efficiency decreased due to the addition of polymer from 80 to 64 %. The reduction in Ca concentration was 11% at 20 ppm during the treatment. Visual observations of granules revealed that granules were black and shiny and did not affect the shiny surfaces due to the increasing Solutrix100 concentrations. The shape of the granules was round to oblong in the case of 20 ppm, and they were not shiny but oblong at 30 ppm treatments compared to the control. However, the granular diameter was reduced (40%) because of the Solutrix100 application as compared to the control, but it showed a positive effect on biomass activity at a lower dose only. Gelatinous material around the granules was observed due to the 30 ppm dose. This was fibrous filamentous and different from the inside of the granule porous material. This aspect requires further study to explore.