The invention Biological method of limiting the development of filamentous bacteria in activated sludge in industrial wastewater treatment (in short: Rotifers in industrial wastewater treatment), devised by JU scientists from the Faculty of Biology and Earth Sciences, has been awarded a gold medal during the 17th Moscow International Salon of Inventions and Innovation Technologies "Archimedes," which took place from 1 to 4 April 2014.

The technology, developed by Dr hab. Janusz Fyda, Dr Edyta Fiałkowska, Dr Agnieszka Pajdak-Stós, Wioleta Kocerba-Soroka and Mateusz Sobczyk, is an environment friendly biological method of limiting the uncontrollable reproduction of filamentous bacteria that are used in the process of wastewater treatment. Their excessive growth of these bacteria causes  "activated sludge bulking," which is one of the most important maintenance issues in water treatment facilities. The method employs microscopic organisms naturally found in the activated sludge – rotifers – which consume the bacteria. The Polish scientists have researched the processes of mass rotifer breeding as well as implementing them in activated sludge reduction. The invention can be implemented in various types of wastewater treatment facilities, including the ones where rotifers are not currently used.

Dr hab. Janusz Fyda stated that "the research has a tremendous practical value, since it provides the wastewater treatment facilities an alternative to the currently used chemical method of combating filamentous bacteria."

The invention was patented. Currently the CITTRU (Centre for Innovations, Technology Transfer and University Development) is looking to establish cooperation with those interested in its practical use.

photo: rotifer consumes filamentous bacteria (by A Pajdak-Stós)