Haliscomenobacter hydrossis

Identification

• Straight & thin
• Has a rigid toothpick-like appearance
• Usually seen protruding from floc

Why Do I Have It?

• Low dissolved oxygen

Treatment

If Haliscomenobacter hydrossis is indicating or causing issues within a wastewater plant, we recommend increasing aeration to raise the oxidation/reduction potential in your wastewater plant. If increasing aeration is not possible, Aquafix recommends the addition of OxyFresh to help combat low dissolved oxygen levels. If you are having difficulties maintaining adequate D.O. levels, we recommend consulting with us to address potential issues with aeration or overloading.

Under the Microscope and in Your Plant

Haliscomenobacter hydrossis is a rigid, short (<100 µm), and thin (0.5 µm) filamentous bacterium with a sheath, cells that are not usually visible. H. hydrossis can be identified under 1000x magnification. This filament stains both Neisser and Gram negative. If this filament is observed, it is a strong indication of low dissolved oxygen conditions. This filament is frequently observed in low levels growing from floc and does not cause issues. However, when present in a high abundance, Haliscomenobacter hydrossis can cause bulking to occur.

Unique Experience in the Field

A wastewater mixed liquor sample was being sent to Aquafix from Brazil for analysis. The sample was held up in customs for two weeks. By the time the sample was received an abundance of H. hydrossis was present. This abundance was believed to have grown during transit. This is unusual as it is commonly thought that aerobic filamentous bacteria are unable to survive in anaerobic conditions as were present in the sample bottle. Our laboratory continues research into the possibility of Haliscomenobacter hydrossis surviving in anaerobic conditions.