An examination of the mechanisms for stable foam formation in activated sludge systems

摘要: Screening pure cultures of 65 mycolic acid producing bacteria (Mycolata) isolated mainly from activated sludge with a laboratory based foaming test revealed that not all foamed under the conditions used. However, for most, data were generally consistent flotation theory as an explanation foaming. Thus stable foam required three components, air bubbles, surfactants and hydrophobic cells. With non-hydrophobic cells, unstable was generated, in absence surfactants, cells formed greasy surface scum. Addition surfactant converted scumming population into one forming foam. The ability to generate depended on threshold cell number, which varied between individual isolates reduced markedly presence surfactant. Consequently, concept universal applicable Mycolata is supported by these data. role poorly understood, but evidence presented first time surfactin synthesised Bacillus subtilis may be important.