ISOLATION OF FILAMENTOUS BACTERIA FROM ACTIVATED-SLUDGE USING MICROMANIPULATION

A method is presented for the identification and isolation of filamentous bacteria from activated sludge samples using the technique of micromanipulation. This employs a forged microneedle which is inserted into a drop of activated sludge either resting on an agar surface or as a smear on a glass slide. It enables a single filamentous bacterium to be removed and identified based on its morphological characteristics. The same organism can then be transfered into a growth medium for confirmation of its identity using biochemical characteristics. Use of this technique reduces the confusion which can arise in identification and ensures that prevalent filament species associated with specific bulking incidences can be isolated and accurately identified.