Synergetic microorganismic convection generated by Opercularia asymmetrica ciliates living in a colony as effective fluid transport on the micro-scale

Abstract 

Ciliates, being one of the main substrates in granular activated sludge (GAS) formation, are treated as a major factor in granulation process. Cilia beats of Opercularia asymmetrica provide a continuous nutrient flux, enhancing the colonization of bacteria on Peritrichia stalks. Given that the ciliates tend to live in colonies, the main focus of the present work was an analysis and comparison of the flow effects induced by a single ciliate and by a colony. Investigations of the flow generated by Opercularia asymmetrica were carried out using micro-particle image velocimetry with biocompatible seeding. The results obtained showed different flow structures for a single ciliate and a colony. Moreover, the synergetic work of Opercularia asymmetrica living in a colony is considered as effective fluid transport. Additionally, analysis of the shear and normal strain rates provided information on mixing phenomena within the fluid on the micro-scale. The influence of seeding substance concentration on the flow pattern was also studied.

Keywords: Micro-particle image velocimetry, Microorganismic convection, Ciliates, Opercularia asymmetrica, Flow visualisation, Fluid transport