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A Comparison between Bright Field and Phase-Contrast Image Analysis Techniques in Activated Sludge Morphological Characterization

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  26 January 2010

D.P. Mesquita
Affiliation:
IBB—Institute for Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Centre of Biological Engineering, Universidade do Minho, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-057, Braga, Portugal
O. Dias
Affiliation:
IBB—Institute for Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Centre of Biological Engineering, Universidade do Minho, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-057, Braga, Portugal
A.L. Amaral
Affiliation:
IBB—Institute for Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Centre of Biological Engineering, Universidade do Minho, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-057, Braga, Portugal Instituto Superior de Engenharia de Coimbra, Instituto Politécnico de Coimbra, Rua Pedro Nunes, Quinta da Nora, 3030-199 Coimbra, Portugal
E.C. Ferreira*
Affiliation:
IBB—Institute for Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Centre of Biological Engineering, Universidade do Minho, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-057, Braga, Portugal
*
Corresponding author. E-mail: [email protected]
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Abstract

Different approaches using microscopy image analysis procedures were employed for characterization of activated sludge systems. The approaches varied mainly on the type of visualization and acquisition method used for collection of data. In this context, this study focused on the comparison of the two most common acquisition methods: bright field and phase-contrast microscopy. Images were acquired from seven different wastewater treatment plants for a combined period of two years. Advantages and disadvantages of each acquisition technique and the results are discussed. Bright field microscopy proved to be more simple and inexpensive and provided the best overall results.

Type
Biological Applications
Copyright
Copyright © Microscopy Society of America 2010

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