Michael Dixon

Citation

Thesis Title
Modelling Biofilm Formation in a Dairy Wastewater Irrigation System

Read article at Massey Research Online:

International demand for milk products has resulted in a corresponding increase in dairy manufacturing plant wastewater requiring treatment. Bacterial growth on surfaces, called biofilm, can occur in dairy wastewater treatment plants causing blockages that prevent treatment of wastewater. Standard methods for controlling biofilm using chemical cleaning and high temperature are not appropriate for a dairy wastewater treatment plant as they may damage the receiving environment. Therefore, Mr Dixon aimed to provide a preventative approach to control bacterial growth in a dairy wastewater treatment plant. By using varying techniques to identify the main bacteria present in the biofilm in a wastewater treatment plant, he identified the conditions responsible for their growth. A model developed from this growth data, will allow wastewater plant technicians to prevent the conditions that lead to biofilm formation and prevent blockage of dairy wastewater treatment plants.

Supervisors
Professor Steve Flint
Dr Tom Bamford
Dr Bram Beuger
Associate Professor Jon Palmer
Dr Richard Love