Physical characterization of oxygenic photogranules

This study investigated hydrodynamic properties of oxygenic photogranules (OPGs) generated in a sequencing batch reactor (SBR) treating wastewater without aeration and OPGs cultivated under hydrostatic conditions used to seed an SBR reactor. Using isopycnic centrifugation the average density was found be 1037 kg/m3 1050 for OPGs, respectively. The had measured settling velocities range 0.001–0.021 m/s while higher velocities, up 0.07 m/s. estimated porosity granules 86 % that 81 %. showed general decrease with increasing granular size. In contrast, low correlations size their decreased diameter (0.6–1.4 mm). These physical parameters reflect amenability rapid solids separation during treatment. Moreover, high permeability microbial mobility optimize functionality especially related motile filamentous cyanobacteria. Strategies utilizing based bioreactor operations different treatment objectives optimized agitation minimizing energy use towards environmental stewardship can also achieved.