The microbial communities of 5-stage BNR activated sludge samples were analyzed using fluorescence in-situ hybridization (FISH) and 16S rDNA characterization. The total cell numbers of each reactor were from 2.36 x 10(9) cells/ml to 2.83 x 10(9) cells/ml. From 56.5% to 62.0% of total DAPI cell counts were hybridized to the most bacterial specific probe EUB 338. Among them, beta-proteobacteria were most dominant in each tank. The number of phosphate accumulating organisms (PAOs) was almost 50% of the total cell number in anoxic-1 tank, and these results indicate that this process has a high content of denitrifying phosphorus accumulating organisms (dPAOs). In contrast with FISH, 16S rDNA analysis showed that dominant groups were the Cytophaga-Flavobacterium group and high G+C% gram-positive bacteria, which were determined as PAOs in anoxic-1 tank. The beta subclass Proteobacteria did not accumulate a large amount of polyphosphate. The overall results indicate that high G+C% gram-positive bacteria and the Cytophaga-Flavobacterium group might play a key role as dPAOs in this process.

The secondary effluent from municipal plants in Korea generally represents higher BOD with lower SS. Therefore, more soluble forms of organics and NH4-N need to be removed to improve its effluent for reuse. In this study reuse possibility of secondary effluent and CSO (combined sewer overflow) using BAF (biological aerated filter) was evaluated. The tertiary application with 1.2 h EBCT, SS, BOD and COD showed stable concentrations less than 1.3, 1.3 and 6.2 mg/L, respectively. Nitrogen could be nitrified even at 7 degrees suggesting BAF can be used for a water reuse method as well as an effective add-on facility in cold regions. However, BAF was not stable with CSO application at increased flow rates suggesting CSO must be equalised prior to application. Disinfection was necessary even during normal weather conditions.