Characterisation of soluble microbial products (SMPs) in anaerobic bioreactors

Abstract

While Chapter 4 deals with methodology development for the characterization of low MW SMPs, this chapter examines how to measure carbohydrates in SMPs generated from anaerobic wastewater bioreactors. This information is important to obtain in the water research field since these colorimetric methods, despite widespread use, are not being used correctly. In addition, a method for the elucidation of the glycan structure and composition in biological wastewater treatment systems using GC-MS is also developed. This new method will be more accurate and informative than the existing assays, and its application is covered in detail, including qualification and quantification.