Biopolymers in wastewater treatment

Studies investigating the formation and manipulation of biopolymers produced by the heterogeneous microbial cultures found in wastewater treatment are not advancing at a fast rate, reflecting the inherent complexity of the systems involved. Adjustment of the nutrients present within the treatment process currently appears to offer more potential than bioaugmentation with genetically modified organisms for improving certain aspects, such as sludge settling properties and chlorinated organic pollutant removal. An area likely to be of increasing importance in the future is the role of the microbial biopolymer in retaining water within the sludge matrix. Modification of the biopolymer to aid the removal of water from waste sludges could have immense implications for the treatment and minimization of the waste sludge produced.