• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.17 no.2
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• pp.253-261
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• 2007

Molecular and cultivation techniques were used to characterize the bacterial communities of biobead reactor biofilms in a sewage treatment plant to which an Aerated Up-Flow Biobead process was applied. With this biobead process, the monthly average values of various chemical parameters in the effluent were generally kept under the regulation limits of the effluent quality of the sewage treatment plant during the operation period. Most probable number (MPN) analysis revealed that the population of denitrifying bacteria was abundant in the biobead #1 reactor, denitrifying and nitrifying bacteria coexisted in the biobead #2 reactor, and nitrifying bacteria prevailed over denitrifying bacteria in the biobead #3 reactor. The results of the MPN test suggested that the biobead #2 reactor was a transition zone leading to acclimated nitrifying biofilms in the biobead #3 reactor. Phylogenetic analysis of 16S rDNA sequences cloned from biofilms showed that the biobead #1 reactor, which received a high organic loading rate, had much diverse microorganisms, whereas the biobead #2 and #3 reactors were dominated by the members of Proteobacteria. DGGE analysis with the ammonia monooxygenase (amoA) gene supported the observation from the MPN test that the biofilms of September were fully developed and specialized for nitrification in the biobead reactor #3. All of the DNA sequences of the amoA DGGE bands were very similar to the sequence of the amoA gene of Nitrosomonas species, the presence of which is typical in the biological aerated filters. The results of this study showed that organic and inorganic nutrients were efficiently removed by both denitrifying microbial populations in the anaerobic tank and heterotrophic and nitrifying bacterial biofilms well-formed in the three functional biobead reactors in the Aerated Up-Flow Biobead process.

• Journal of Animal Science and Technology
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• v.60 no.11
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• pp.27.1-27.8
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• 2018

Background: Enteric methane ($CH_4$) accounts for about 70% of total $CH_4$ emissions from the ruminant animals. Researchers are exploring ways to mitigate enteric $CH_4$ emissions from ruminants. Recently, nano zinc oxide (nZnO) has shown potential in reducing $CH_4$ and hydrogen sulfide ($H_2S$) production from the liquid manure under anaerobic storage conditions. Four different levels of nZnO and two types of feed were mixed with rumen fluid to investigate the efficacy of nZnO in mitigating gaseous production. Methods: All experiments with four replicates were conducted in batches in 250 mL glass bottles paired with the ANKOM$^{RF}$ wireless gas production monitoring system. Gas production was monitored continuously for 72 h at a constant temperature of $39{\pm}1^{\circ}C$ in a water bath. Headspace gas samples were collected using gas-tight syringes from the Tedlar bags connected to the glass bottles and analyzed for greenhouse gases ($CH_4$ and carbon dioxide-$CO_2$) and $H_2S$ concentrations. $CH_4$ and $CO_2$ gas concentrations were analyzed using an SRI-8610 Gas Chromatograph and $H_2S$ concentrations were measured using a Jerome 631X meter. At the same time, substrate (i.e. mixed rumen fluid+ NP treatment+ feed composite) samples were collected from the glass bottles at the beginning and at the end of an experiment for bacterial counts, and volatile fatty acids (VFAs) analysis. Results: Compared to the control treatment the $H_2S$ and GHGs concentration reduction after 72 h of the tested nZnO levels varied between 4.89 to 53.65%. Additionally, 0.47 to 22.21% microbial population reduction was observed from the applied nZnO treatments. Application of nZnO at a rate of $1000{\mu}g\;g^{-1}$ have exhibited the highest amount of concentration reductions for all three gases and microbial population. Conclusion: Results suggest that both 500 and $1000{\mu}g\;g^{-1}$ nZnO application levels have the potential to reduce GHG and $H_2S$ concentrations.

• Journal of the Korea Academia-Industrial cooperation Society
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• v.17 no.5
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• pp.251-259
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• 2016

This study examined the DO concentration distribution and ORP distribution using microbubbles on pilot-scale aeration tanks. As a result of MLSS mixing and oxygen transfer phenomenon using microbubbles, different DO concentrations were observed depending on the circulation of the liquid with the microbubble supply location on the lateral of an aeration tank. The simulation results of CFD (computational fluid dynamics) program showed that MLSS mixed with a microbubble supply in the middle the reactor is much better than on the left side of the reactor. A single reactor containing an anaerobic, anoxic, and aerobic zone, was evaluated without partition according to the location of the microbubble supply based on the experiments and CFD analysis. MLSS was separated into solid-liquid by the microbubble supply in the aeration tank. Consequently, selecting the appropriate microbubble size is important for MLSS mixing and was maintained at the proper DO concentration for biological treatment.

• Journal of the Korea Organic Resources Recycling Association
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• v.27 no.2
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• pp.67-73
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• 2019

In this study, to optimize the production and utilization of biogas for organic waste resources, the precision monitoring of on-site facilities and the energy balance by facility were analyzed, and the solutions for field problems were investigated, and the design and operation guidelines for pretreatment facilities and generators were presented. Gas pre-treatment is required to solve frequent failures and efficiency degradation in operation of high quality refining facilities, and processing processes such as desulfurization, dehumidification, deoxidization, dust treatment, volatile organic compounds, etc. Since these processes are substances that are also eliminated from the high-quality process, quantitative guidelines are not presented in the gas pretreatment process, but are suggested to operate during the processing process as a qualitative guideline. In particular, dust, siloxane, and volatile organic compounds are the main cause of frequent failure of high-quality processes if they are not removed from the gas pretreatment process. Design of the biogas high-quality process. The operation guidelines provide quality standards [Methane content (including propane) of 95% or more] with 90% or more utilization of the total gas generation, two systems, and a margin of 10% or more. It also proposed installing gas equalization tank, installing thermal automatic control system for controlling equalization of auxiliary fuel, installing dehumidification device at the back of high quality for removing moisture generated in the process of gas compression, installing heat-resisting facilities to prevent freezing of facilities in winter and reducing efficiency, and installing membrane facilities in particular.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Environmental Restoration Technology
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• v.26 no.2
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• pp.13-24
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• 2023

Sewage sludge has been widely used as an organic fertilizer in agriculture. However, sewage sludge can cause serious malodor problems resulting from the decomposition of organic compounds in anaerobic conditions. The malodor of sewage sludge mainly occurs due to a low carbon to nitrogen ratio (C/N), high moisture, and low temperature, which are ideal conditions for ammonia emissions. Therefore, in this study, we investigated the reduction of the odor-causing ammonia nitrogen (NH₃-N) in sewage sludge by co-application of microbes and methanol (MeOH). The physico-chemical properties of the municipal sewage sludge showed that the odor was mainly caused by a higher NH₃-N content (2932.2 mg L^-1). Supplementation with MeOH (20%) as a carbon source in the sewage sludge significantly reduced the NH₃-N up to 34.2% by increasing C/N ratio. Furthermore, the sewage sludge was treated with the NH₃-N reducing and plant growth promoting (PGP) bacteria Stenotrophomonas rhizophila SRCM 116907. The treatment with S. rhizophila SRCM 116907 significantly increased the seedling vigor index of Lolium perenne (10.3%) and Chrysanthemum burbankii (42.4%). The findings demonstrate that supplementing sewage sludge with methanol significantly reduces ammonia emissions, thereby mitigating malodor problems. Overall, the study highlights the potential of using a microbial and methanol approach to improve the quality of sewage sludge as an organic fertilizer and promote sustainable agriculture.

• International Journal of Oral Biology
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• v.48 no.2
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• pp.9-18
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• 2023

The rapid detection of bacteria in the oral cavity, its species identification, and bacterial count determination are important to diagnose oral diseases caused by pathogenic bacteria. The existing clinical microbial diagnosis methods are time-consuming as they involve observing patients' samples under a microscope or culturing and confirming bacteria using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) kits, making the process complex. Therefore, it is required to analyze the development status of substances and systems that can rapidly detect and analyze pathogenic microorganisms in the oral cavity. With research advancements, a close relationship between oral and systemic diseases has been identified, making it crucial to identify the changes in the oral cavity bacterial composition. Additionally, an early and accurate diagnosis is essential for better prognosis in periodontal disease. However, most periodontal disease-causing pathogens are anaerobic bacteria, which are difficult to identify using conventional bacterial culture methods. Further, the existing PCR method takes a long time to detect and involves complicated stages. Therefore, to address these challenges, the concept of point-of-care (PoC) has emerged, leading to the study and implementation of various chair-side test methods. This study aims to investigate the different PoC diagnostic methods introduced thus far for identifying pathogenic microorganisms in the oral cavity. These are classified into three categories: 1) microbiological tests, 2) microchemical tests, and 3) genetic tests. The microbiological tests are used to determine the presence or absence of representative causative bacteria of periodontal diseases, such as A. actinomycetemcomitans, P. gingivalis, P. intermedia, and T. denticola. However, the quantitative analysis remains impossible, and detecting pathogens other than the specific ones is challenging. The microchemical tests determine the activity of inflammation or disease by measuring the levels of biomarkers present in the oral cavity. Although this diagnostic method is based on increase in the specific biomarkers proportional to inflammation or disease progression in the oral cavity, its commercialization is limited due to low sensitivity and specificity. The genetic tests are based on the concept that differences in disease vulnerability and treatment response are caused by the patient's DNA predisposition. Specifically, the IL-1 gene is used in such tests. PoC diagnostic methods developed to date serve as supplementary diagnostic methods and tools for patient education, in addition to existing diagnostic methods, although they have limitations in diagnosing oral diseases alone. Research on various PoC test methods that can analyze and manage the oral cavity bacterial composition is expected to become more active, aligning with the shift from treatment-oriented to prevention-oriented approaches in healthcare.

• Clean Technology
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• v.12 no.2
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• pp.67-77
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• 2006

A simple dual sludge process, called as $KNR^{(R)}$ (Kwon's Nutrient Removal) system, was developed for small sewage treatment. It is a hybrid system that consists of an UMBR (Upflow multi-layer bioreactor) as anaerobic and anoxic reactor with suspended denitrifier and a post aerobic biofilm reactor, filled with pellet-like media, with attached nitrifier. To evaluate the stability and performance of this system for small sewage treatment, the pilot-scale $KNR^{(R)}$ plant with a treatment capacity of $50m^3/d$ was practically applied to the actual sewage treatment plant, which was under retrofit construction during pilot plant operation, with a capacity of $50m^3/d$ in a small rural community. The HRTs of a UMBR and a post aerobic biofilm reactor were about 4.7 h and 7.2 h, respectively. The temperature in the reactor varied from $18.1^{\circ}C$ to $28.1^{\circ}C$. The pilot plant showed stable performance even though the pilot plant had been the severe fluctuation of influent flow rate and BOD/N ratio. During a whole period of this study, average concentrations of $COD_{cr}$, $COD_{Mn}$, $BOD_5$, TN, and TP in the final effluent obtained from this system were 11.0 mg/L, 8.8 mg/L, 4.2 mg/L, 3.5 mg/L, 9.8 mg/L, and 0.87/0.17 mg/L (with/without poly aluminium chloride(PAC)), which corresponded to a removal efficiency of 95.3%, 87.6%, 96.3%, 96.5%, 68.2%, and 55.4/90.3%, respectively. Excess sludge production rates were $0.026kg-DS/m^3$-sewage and 0.220 kg-DS/kg-BOD lower 1.9 to 3.8 times than those in activated sludge based system such as $A_2O$ and Bardenpho.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.19 no.11
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• pp.1538-1546
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• 2009

This study was conducted to estimate the in vitro fermentation characteristics and in situ degradabilities of total mixed rations fermented by the synbiotic co-cultures composed of various anaerobic microorganisms in the rumen of cow. Seventy two TMR bags (4 treatments $\times$ 6 fermentation days $\times$ 3 replications) were manufactured for in vitro and in situ experiments. The experiment was composed of four treatments including the control, the mould and bacteria synbiotics (T1), the mould and yeast synbiotics (T2) and the bacteria and yeast synbiotics (T3). Each treatment had six fermentation days (1, 3, 5, 7, 14, 21 day) with three replications. Two rumen cannulated Holstein cows (550 ㎏ of mean body wt) were used for in situ trial, and a total of 96 nylon bags were retrieved from the rumen according to eight fermentation times (1, 3, 6, 9, 18, 24, 48 and 72 hr). The mean fermentation temperatures of TMRs by supplementation of anaerobic micoorganism co-cultures ranged from $22.97^{\circ}C$ to $26.07^{\circ}C$, and tended to increase steadily during the entire period. pH values of the F-TMRs ranged from 4.39 to 4.98 and tended to decrease with the extension of the fermentation period, and decreased by supplementation of synbiotics (p<0.05). The ammonia concentrations of F-TMRs were not affected by addition of synbiotic co-cultures during the early fermentation period (within 7 days), but was lowest (p<0.05) in T3 during the late fermentation periods (after 14 days). Lactic acid concentration of F-TMR was lowest in T3 at 1 day of fermentation, but was not different from treatments in the other fermentation days. Microbial growth rates of F-TMR reached a peak at 7 days of fermentation, and afterward tended to decrease. In in situ experiment, the DM disappearance rates were higher in T1 than the control during early fermentation times (within 3 hours), but was vice versa at 48 hours of fermentation (p<0.05). There was no significant difference in effective DM degradability among treatments. NDF and ADF disappearance rates in situ were similar to those of DM. From the above results, the supplementation of synbiotics, particularly the mould and bacteria synbiotics, resulted in improving the pH and concentration of lactic acid of F-TMR as parameters of fermentation compare to the control, and also had higher in situ disappearance rates of DM, NDF and ADF than the control at early fermentation time. However, effective DM degradability was not affected by supplementation of synbiotics.

• Horticultural Science & Technology
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• v.30 no.3
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• pp.261-269
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• 2012

Soil microbial community and soil physiological parameters were investigated by analyzing phospholipid fatty acids extracted from the soils amended with chitosan powder and solution in a cucumber greenhouse. The soils were sampled at 90, 160, 200 days after treatment. Identified fatty acids were analyzed with principal component (PC) analysis. Chitosan powder soils and chitosan solution soils were separated from non-treated control soils by PC1 and PC2 90 days after treatment, respectively. And chitosan powder soils were separated from non-treated control soils by PC2 160 days after treatment. The ratio of fungi to bacteria increased significantly in chitosan solution-amended soils compared with the control soils 90 days after treatment. Microbial groups and physiological parameters were investigated 160 days after treatment: vesicular-arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (VAM) significantly increased in soils amended with chitosan powder compared with other soils, the ratio of gram negative bacteria to gram positive bacteria and cyclo-fatty acids to precursors were significantly higher and lower in soils amended with chitosan solution and chitosan powder compared with control soils, respectively, and the ratio of fungi to bacteria were significantly lower in control soils compared with chitosan-treated soils. The chitosan powder increased the ratio of aerobic to anaerobic bacteria and lowered the ratio of saturated to unsaturated fatty acids compared with chitosan solution 200 days after soil application. In conclusion, chitosan powder changed the soil microbial community and the effects maintained up to 160 days after soil application. The effect of physiological parameters on the soil microbial community started to appear 160 days after and continued up to 200 days after soil application of chitosan.

• Korean Journal of Environmental Agriculture
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• v.19 no.2
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• pp.171-176
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• 2000

A wastewater treatment pond system was developed for treatment and recycling of dairy cattle excreta of $5\;m^1$ per day. The wastes were diluted by the water used for clearing stalls. The system was composed of three ponds in series. A submerged gas collector for the recovery of methane was installed at the bottom of secondary pond with water depth of 2.4m. This paper deals mainly with performance of methane fermentation of secondary pond which is faclutative one. The average $BOD_5$, SS, TN, and TP concentrations of influent into secondary pond were 49.1, 53.4, 48.6, and 5.3 mg/l, and those of effluent from it were 27.9, 45.7, 30.8, 3.2 mg/l respectively. Methane fermentation of 2.4-meter-deep secondary pond bottom was well established at $16^{\circ}C$ and gas garnered from the collector at that temperature was 80% methane. Literature on methane fermentation of wastewater treatment ponds shows that methane bacteria grow well around $24^{\circ}C$, the rate of daily accumulation and decomposition of sludge is approximately equal at $19^{\circ}C$, and activities of methanogenic bacteria are ceased below $14^{\circ}C$. The good methane fermentation of the pond bottom around $16^{\circ}C$, about $3^{\circ}C$ lower than $19^{\circ}C$, results from temperature stability, anaerobic condition, and neutral pH of the bottom sludge layer. It is recommended that the depth of pond water could be 2.4m. Gas from the collector during active methane fermentation was almost 83% methane, less than 17% nitrogen. Carbon dioxide was less than 1% of the gas, which indicates that carbon dioxide produced in bottom sludges was dissolved in the overlaying water column. Thus a purified methane can be collected and used as energy source. Sludge accumulation on the pond bottom for a nine month period was 1.3cm and annual sludge depth can be estimated to be 1.7cm. Design of additional pond depth of 0.3m can lead to 15 - 20 year sludge removal.