Three-dimensional mapping of oxygen distribution in wastewater biofilms using an automation system and microelectrodes

The three-dimensional oxygen distribution in wastewater biofilms was evaluated using combined oxygen microelectrodes and an automation system. The biofilms were sampled from rotating biological contactors treating domestic wastewater. The samples studied were mature biofilms with a thickness from 630 to 1600 mu m. It was demonstrated that the dissolved oxygen concentration could be depleted at the biofilm surface. The heterogeneity of the dissolved oxygen distribution was high in sections further away from the biofilm surface in the water layer. The study showed that the concentration and level of heterogeneity of dissolved oxygen inside the biofilms decreased with depth, forming stratification. The oxygen concentration in biofilms changed generally from a high degree of heterogeneity near the biofilm surface to a low degree of heterogeneity in deep sections of biofilms, indicating a cell-cluster-like structure near the surface and more compact base layer close to the substratum. The three-dimensional oxygen distribution maps revealed pockets of dissolved oxygen in deep sections of biofilms. The dissolved oxygen concentrations of these pockets in the biofilm samples ranged from 0.4 to 1.0 mg/L at 760 mu m depth. The three-dimensional oxygen distribution maps produced relevant knowledge of functional and structural characteristics of biofilms used for the treatment of wastewater.