Molecular mechanism of granulation. I: H+ trans location-dehydration theory

A new theory for the molecular mechanism of sludge granulation, namely prot on translocation-dehydration theory, was proposed in this study. Based on t he consideration of biological activity of the bacterial cells, the bacteri al surface dehydration caused by proton translocating activity was suggeste d to initiate the sludge granulation. The overall granulation process in th is new theory included four stages: dehydration of bacterial surfaces, embr yonic granule formation, granule maturation, and postmaturation. Some pheno mena involved in practical sludge granulation were adequately explained by this new theory.