Computer-based filamentous microorganism identification support system

Abstract

A computer-based filamentous microorganism identification support system was developed to assist field operators who encounter the bulking problem in a waste water treatment plant using the activated sludge process. An image processing system monitors the amount of the filamentous bacteria. If anything unusual happens, the filamentous/microorganism identification support system starts. The system leads an operator toward its user model, and identifies the type of the predominant filamentous bacteria. Based on the result of identification, a control is carried out and the effect of this control action is monitored by the identification support system. If the bulking is suppressed, the support system stops. Hardware and software features of the system are described.<>