Flagellates
Identification
- Flagellates have one or more long, hair-like tail(s) (flagellum)
- The flagellum is longer than their body
- Usually range in size from 5-20 µm, but can be larger
Why Do I have It?
- High BOD conditions and high suspended solids
- Young sludge age
- High levels of free bacteria and rapid bacterial cell growth
Associated Plant Conditions
The prevalence of flagellates increases during periods of rapid bacterial cell growth. Flagellates may increase during periods of toxic recovery due to their faster growth rate compared to other protozoa.
Treatment
Flagellates are indicators of a young sludge age. If you are concerned about your plant conditions contact a technical rep for information and recommendations.
Under the Microscope and in Your Plant
Flagellates tend to be found in wastewater conditions with high BOD, high suspended solids, and young sludge. Toxic conditions are usually followed by the rapid growth of free bacteria within a wastewater treatment plant. This means there is an abundance of food for flagellates. This–combined with rapid reproduction–will then lead to a high flagellate population.
Flagellates are a type of protozoan that can usually be identified under 100x magnification. Flagellates have one or more long, hair-like tails called flagellum, that is typically longer than their bodies. These flagellum are used for feeding on dispersed bacteria and movement. Their flagellum propels them in a corkscrew motion. Flagellates usually range from 5-20 µm long.
Interesting Facts
- There are two types of flagellates: animal-like (Zoomastigophora) and plant-like (Phytomastigophoral)
- One type of common animal-like flagellate, Parenema, has been observed going inside the bodies of dead rotifers to absorb nutrients