Effect of Extracellular Polymeric Substances on Dewatering of Activated Sludge and Study on Extraction Methods

Extracellular polymeric substances(EPS)are secreted by microorganisms during growth.They are the predominant constituents of activated sludge and play a crucial role in the treatment of sludge,as well as the reduction in sludge volume and mass.In this paper results related to constituents and characteristics of EPS and the effect on dewatering of sludge are compiled.At last the extraction methods of EPS are summarized,together with a brief discussion of the biodegradation of EPS in order to provide valuable reference for correlative research work.