Microbial activity evaluation device, microbial activity evaluation method, operation control device, biological processing system

Abstract

The present invention provides a microbial activity evaluation device and a microbial activity evaluation method that allow for accurate assessment of microbial activity without any time delay in determining the condition of microorganisms involved in biological treatment, and regardless of the skill level of the operator. [Solution] To solve the above problems, the present invention provides a microbial activity evaluation device and a method for evaluating microbial activity using this device, which are equipped with a measurement means that uses spectral imaging technology to measure water to be treated for biological treatment, and which evaluate the activity of microorganisms based on the information acquired by the measurement means. According to this invention, the activity of microorganisms can be quickly and appropriately determined without the need for conventional measurements that involve staining (marking) of microorganisms or judgments based on visual inspection by workers.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a microbial activity evaluation device, a microbial activity evaluation method, an operation control device, and a biological treatment system.

Background Art

[0002] Generally, as a method for treating wastewater containing organic substances, biological treatment using various microorganisms is performed. Biological treatment is roughly classified into two types: aerobic treatment using aerobic microorganisms under aerobic conditions and anaerobic treatment using anaerobic microorganisms under anaerobic conditions. More specifically, for example, as aerobic treatment, the activated sludge method using an aerobic microbial community called activated sludge is known, and as anaerobic treatment, the methane fermentation method using anaerobic bacteria such as acid-producing bacteria and methane-producing bacteria is known. In biological treatment, the state of microorganisms greatly affects the treatment performance in both aerobic treatment and anaerobic treatment. Therefore, a technique for grasping the state of microorganisms is required.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 describes a method for determining the physiological state of a microbial community present in a treatment tank of biological treatment equipment, including a step of collecting the microbial community in the treatment tank, a step of staining with two types of fluorescent dyes, a step of measuring the fluorescence intensity derived from each fluorescent dye, and a step of determining the physiological state of the microbial community from the value of the fluorescence intensity ratio of these two types. Also, Patent Document 1 describes adjusting the operating state of biological treatment equipment, such as controlling the input of microbial preparations and the solid retention time in the treatment tank, based on the determination result of the physiological state of the microbial community present in the treatment tank of biological treatment equipment.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

[0005] As shown in Patent Document 1, in the operation of facilities related to biological treatment (hereinafter also referred to as "biological treatment systems"), operational control is sometimes performed using the results of determining the state of microorganisms. However, in conventional technologies such as those in Patent Document 1, determining the state of microorganisms requires considerable effort and time, such as a staining process for the microorganisms, making it difficult to quickly and appropriately grasp trends regarding changes in the state of microorganisms in biological treatment systems, and consequently, a decline in biological treatment capacity. As a result, there is a problem in that it cannot contribute to the stable operation and maintenance of biological treatment systems. Furthermore, one maintenance method for the stable operation of biological treatment systems is to have workers visually inspect the color and flow of the water being treated in the treatment tank to determine the state of microorganisms, and then perform maintenance based on the results of that inspection. However, since visual inspection requires workers to accumulate experience, there are challenges in terms of training and securing skilled workers.

[0006] The object of the present invention is to provide a microbial activity evaluation device and a microbial activity evaluation method that, with respect to technologies related to biological treatment, can appropriately determine the activity level of microorganisms involved in biological treatment without any time delay in determining whether the condition of the microorganisms is good or bad (in other words, the activity level of the microorganisms) and regardless of the skill level of the worker. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] As a result of diligent research into the above-mentioned problems, the inventors of the present invention have discovered that by using information obtained based on a specific measurement technique to understand the activity level of microorganisms, it is possible to quickly and appropriately understand the activity level of microorganisms without the need for complicated operations and regardless of the skill level of the worker, and have completed the present invention. In other words, the present invention relates to the following microbial activity evaluation apparatus, microbial activity evaluation method, operation control device, and biological treatment system.

[0008] The present invention, which solves the above problems, is characterized by performing an evaluation of microbial activity based on information obtained by spectral imaging technology, which measures water to be treated using biological treatment. As a result of diligent research, the inventors have found that by performing measurements based on spectral imaging technology on water to be treated in biological treatment, it is possible to obtain information on the activity level of microorganisms, and that it is also possible to distinguish between different levels of microbial activity with statistical significance. The microbial activity evaluation device of the present invention is based on the above-mentioned findings and can quickly and appropriately determine the activity level of microorganisms without the need for conventional measurements involving staining (marking) of microorganisms or judgments based on visual inspection by operators.

[0009] Furthermore, one embodiment of the microbial activity evaluation apparatus of the present invention is characterized by further comprising a measurement means for acquiring information. This feature makes it easy to link operations related to acquiring information on microbial activity based on spectral imaging technology with operations related to evaluating microbial activity based on this information. In other words, it becomes easier to acquire and update information required for evaluating the activity of microorganisms involved in biological processing.

[0010] Furthermore, one embodiment of the microbial activity evaluation apparatus of the present invention is characterized in that the measurement means measures the treated water in the biological treatment tank. This feature allows us to understand the microbial activity level in the area where biological treatment is taking place (inside the biological treatment tank), and to obtain more accurate information regarding the activity level of microorganisms involved in the biological treatment.

[0011] Furthermore, one embodiment of the microbial activity evaluation device of the present invention has the characteristic that the evaluation content related to the activity of microorganisms is output externally. This feature allows workers to quickly and accurately grasp information regarding the activity level of microorganisms involved in biological treatment, making it easier to take appropriate action as needed. Furthermore, applying this microbial activity evaluation device to a biological treatment system can significantly contribute to maintaining the stable operation of the system.

[0012] The present invention, which solves the above problems, is characterized by comprising an evaluation step in which the activity of microorganisms is evaluated based on information obtained by spectral imaging technology, which measures the water to be treated that is subjected to biological treatment. The present invention provides a method for evaluating microbial activity, which is based on the inventors' findings that by performing measurements based on spectral imaging technology on water to be treated for biological treatment, it is possible to obtain information on microbial activity and to distinguish between microbial activity levels with statistical significance. This method allows for rapid and appropriate assessment of microbial activity without the need for conventional measurements involving staining (marking) of microorganisms or judgments based on visual inspection by workers.

[0013] The present invention, which solves the above problems, is an operation control device for operating a biological treatment system equipped with a biological treatment tank, and is characterized by comprising the above-mentioned microbial activity evaluation device and a control unit that controls at least one of the following: the amount of aeration or stirring in the biological treatment tank, and the amount of sludge returned to the biological treatment tank. This feature allows for no time delay in assessing microbial activity, and regardless of the operator's skill level, it is possible to appropriately assess microbial activity and perform operational control related to adjusting various parameters that affect the treatment efficiency in the biological treatment tank, thereby enabling smooth maintenance and management of the biological treatment system.

[0014] The biological treatment system of the present invention, which solves the above problems, is characterized by comprising the above-described operation control device and a biological treatment tank that performs biological treatment of the water to be treated. According to this feature, there is no time lag in grasping the activity of microorganisms, and regardless of the skill level of the operator, after appropriately grasping the activity of microorganisms, operation control related to adjusting various parameters involved in the treatment efficiency in the biological treatment tank can be performed while advancing the biological treatment, enabling smooth maintenance management related to the operation of the biological treatment system and optimization in continuous operation.

Advantages of the Invention

[0015] According to the present invention, regarding the technology related to biological treatment, it is possible to provide a microorganism activity evaluation device and a microorganism activity evaluation method that can appropriately grasp the activity of microorganisms without a time lag in grasping the activity of microorganisms and regardless of the skill level of the operator.

[0016] Further, according to the present invention, by applying the above-described microorganism activity evaluation device to a biological treatment system that performs biological treatment, it is possible to provide an operation control device for a biological treatment system and a biological treatment system that can appropriately grasp the activity of microorganisms without a time lag in grasping the activity of microorganisms and regardless of the skill level of the operator, and can smoothly perform maintenance management related to operation.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0017] [Figure 1] It is a schematic explanatory diagram showing the structure of the microorganism activity evaluation device in an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] It is a schematic diagram showing information acquired by the measurement means of the microorganism activity evaluation device in an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] It is a schematic explanatory diagram showing the structure of the operation control device and the biological treatment system of the biological treatment system in an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] It is a schematic explanatory diagram showing another aspect of the operation control device and the biological treatment system of the biological treatment system in an embodiment of the present invention.

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0019] The treated water to be treated by biological treatment according to the present invention is not particularly limited as long as it contains substances (organic substances) that can be biologically treated. For example, industrial wastewater discharged from various factories such as food factories, chemical factories, and paper pulp factories, and domestic wastewater such as sewage can be mentioned.

[0020] Hereinafter, embodiments of the microbial activity evaluation apparatus, microbial activity evaluation method, operation control apparatus, and biological treatment system according to the present invention will be described in detail while referring to the drawings. Note that the microbial activity evaluation method of the present invention shall be replaced by the following description of the structure and operation of the microbial activity evaluation apparatus. In addition, the microbial activity evaluation apparatus, microbial activity evaluation method, operation control apparatus, and biological treatment system described in the embodiments are merely examples for explaining the microbial activity evaluation apparatus, microbial activity evaluation method, operation control apparatus, and biological treatment system according to the present invention, and are not limited thereto.

[0021] 〔Microbial Activity Evaluation Apparatus and Microbial Activity Evaluation Method〕 First, embodiments of the microbial activity evaluation apparatus and microbial activity evaluation method of the present invention will be exemplified and described. FIG. 1 is a schematic explanatory diagram showing the structure of the microbial activity evaluation apparatus in an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the microbial activity evaluation apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment includes a measurement means 2 and an evaluation unit 3. In Figure 1, the dashed arrows indicate connections that allow for the input and output of information (data). The following describes the various components of the microbial activity evaluation device 1 of this embodiment.

[0022] Measurement means 2 is for performing a measurement step that involves measuring the water to be treated in biological treatment based on spectral imaging technology. In other words, measurement means 2 is for obtaining information regarding the activity level of microorganisms. Here, the treated water subjected to biological treatment that is the target of measurement by measurement means 2 may be any treated water in the biological treatment process, and specifically, it may include, for example, treated water before it is supplied to the biological treatment tank, treated water supplied to and contained in the biological treatment tank, and treated water discharged from the biological treatment tank. Alternatively, a sample of treated water taken during the biological treatment process may also be used as the target of measurement by measurement means 2. Furthermore, the treated water subjected to biological treatment, which is the target of measurement by measurement means 2, contains not only the organic matter to be treated, but also microorganisms or microbial communities (activated sludge, granular sludge) involved in the biological treatment.

[0023] Furthermore, it is preferable that the measurement means 2 measures the treated water in the biological treatment tank. This makes it possible to obtain information on the microbial activity level in the area where the biological treatment is taking place, so-called in-situ observation. Furthermore, when applying the microbial activity evaluation device 1 of this embodiment to the biological treatment system 100 (operation control device 10 of the biological treatment system) described later, it becomes easier to quickly and appropriately grasp the microbial activity level in the area where the biological treatment is taking place, and to smoothly perform appropriate operation control (maintenance) based on that information.

[0024] The measurement means 2 in this embodiment only needs to be capable of performing measurements based on spectral imaging technology. Spectral imaging technology involves acquiring location information of a measurement target, spectrally analyzing the reflected or transmitted light from the target, collecting the intensity distribution (spectrum) of light at specific wavelengths, and combining the information related to the measurement location with the spectral information at that location to create an image. Depending on the number of wavelengths used (the so-called number of bands), it is classified into multispectral imaging (several to several dozen bands, no continuity of wavelengths) and hyperspectral imaging (several dozen or more bands, continuous wavelength range). Furthermore, techniques that use wavelengths specifically tailored to detect a target substance or object in the measurement target are called target spectral imaging.

[0025] Preferred examples of instruments for performing measurements based on spectral imaging technology include those equipped with a camera (imaging means) that applies spectral imaging technology and that can easily acquire measurement results as image data. More specifically, examples include hyperspectral cameras, multispectral cameras, and target spectral cameras. Measurement based on spectral imaging technology using a camera (imaging means) makes it possible to obtain information from the object being measured without contact. Therefore, it is possible to perform continuous measurements on the treated water, which is the object being measured, and the frequency of maintenance (cleaning, etc.) of the measurement means 2 is reduced, which has the advantage of making the device easier to maintain. In this embodiment, if a measurement means 2 that covers a wide wavelength range (number of wavelengths used for measurement) (for example, a hyperspectral camera) is used, the amount of information on microbial activity that can be obtained increases, making it possible to accurately grasp the microbial activity. On the other hand, if a measurement means 2 that limits the wavelength range (number of wavelengths used for measurement) (for example, a multispectral camera, a target spectrum camera, etc.) is used, it becomes possible to quickly obtain information on microbial activity by simplifying the function and to reduce the cost of the measurement means.

[0026] The inventors have found that by performing measurements on water to be treated for biological treatment using measurement means 2 based on spectral imaging technology, response results (image data, etc.) corresponding to microbial activity can be obtained. Here, "microbial activity" in this invention is evaluated using parameters that change as a result of the life-sustaining activities of microorganisms. Examples of such parameters include the amount of substances involved in the respiration rate of microorganisms (decrease or increase in oxygen / carbon dioxide), the amount of oxygen taken into the microorganisms (oxygen distribution present within the microorganisms), the amount of organic matter produced and consumed by microbial metabolism, and the amount of organic matter present between microorganisms during microbial community formation (amount of organic matter in biofilms).

[0027] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating the information that can be obtained by performing measurements on the treated water using spectral imaging technology (measurements by measurement means 2). In Figure 2, the dashed lines indicate the information (parameters) that can be obtained by measurement means 2. As shown in Figure 2, the treated water contains microbial communities (activated sludge, granular sludge) in which microorganisms involved in biological treatment are gathered. Note that Figure 2 shows a microbial community that includes microorganisms A and B, but this is a simplified schematic diagram; in reality, microorganisms form aggregates in a way that they are intertwined with each other. Here, by using measurement means 2 to perform measurements in wavelength ranges corresponding to the absorption bands of oxygen or carbon dioxide, it becomes possible to determine the amount of substances involved in the respiration rate of individual microorganisms (microorganism A, microorganism B) within a microbial community (decrease / increase in oxygen / carbon dioxide) and the amount of oxygen taken in by individual microorganisms (oxygen distribution within microorganisms). Note that the absorption band for oxygen is in the ultraviolet region (100 nm to 240 nm), and the absorption band for carbon dioxide is in the near-infrared region (1500 nm, etc.). Furthermore, by using measurement means 2 to perform measurements in wavelength ranges corresponding to the absorption bands of organic matter (absorption bands derived from the functional groups of organic matter), it becomes possible to determine the amount of organic matter produced and consumed by microbial metabolism (decrease or increase in the amount of organic matter A) and the amount of organic matter present among microorganisms during microbial community formation (decrease or increase in the amount of organic matter A in the biofilm). The absorption band of organic matter can be selected for each organic matter to be measured; for example, it is known that the absorption band of organic matter containing carboxyl groups is in the ultraviolet region (200 nm to 210 nm). Alternatively, various organic matter having absorption bands in the near-infrared region (1000 nm to 2500 nm) may be identified.

[0028] Furthermore, it is preferable to obtain information that is not directly useful for evaluating microbial activity, but is useful for evaluating microbial activity, through the measurement means 2. For example, as shown in Figure 2, this involves acquiring information related to the interface that represents the boundary between the microbial community and the treated water (in other words, acquiring information related to the shape and size of the microbial community in the treated water). Specifically, this involves acquiring image data that distinguishes the microbial community from the treated water using wavelengths in the visible region. In this case, it is also acceptable to acquire information that distinguishes individual microorganisms from the treated water. Furthermore, measurement means 2 can be used to obtain information about the components that make up individual microorganisms (microorganisms A and B), particularly those that are unevenly distributed on the surface of the microorganisms. Specifically, wavelengths in the ultraviolet or near-infrared region can be used to obtain information related to the identification and quantification of organic matter (organic matter B) that makes up the microorganisms.

[0029] As described above, the measurement means 2 of this embodiment can simultaneously acquire information on multiple wavelength ranges for the measurement target. Therefore, by combining multiple pieces of information, it is possible to improve the accuracy of the evaluation of microbial activity and the usefulness of the content (information) obtained as an evaluation result. Specifically, for example, by performing a measurement using the measurement means 2 that combines a wavelength range corresponding to the oxygen absorption band with a wavelength range that can distinguish the shape and size of microorganisms, the acquired information will include data on the increase or decrease in oxygen amount and the region (microbial group or individual microorganism) where the increase or decrease in oxygen amount occurs. This makes it possible to distinguish between the distribution of highly active microbial groups (or individual microorganisms) and the distribution of less active microbial groups (or individual microorganisms). In other words, instead of the averaged microbial activity calculated from the trend of fluctuations in the dissolved oxygen amount in the treated water, as in conventional methods, it becomes possible to grasp information on the microbial activity of each microbial group or individual microorganism.

[0030] The evaluation unit 3 is for performing an evaluation step that evaluates the activity level of microorganisms. More specifically, the evaluation unit 3 performs an evaluation step that evaluates the activity level of microorganisms based on the information (including image data) obtained by the measurement means 2 described above. The evaluation unit 3 is connected to the measurement means 2 so that it can input and output information from the measurement means 2. This connection may be made directly by wiring or the like, or it may be made indirectly via communication technology such as wireless communication.

[0031] As shown in Figure 2, the information obtained by measurement means 2 is largely related to parameters involved in microbial activity. Therefore, evaluation unit 3 evaluates the microbial activity measured at that time based on this relationship using the information obtained by measurement means 2.

[0032] The evaluation unit 3 includes a step (step 1) of acquiring information obtained by the measurement means 2, a step (step 2) of converting the acquired information into a form that allows for understanding the relationship with information related to microbial activity, and a step (step 3) of outputting evaluation results related to microbial activity based on the converted information (data). Furthermore, while the evaluation unit 3 may include manual operation by an operator, it is preferable to use a computing device that has data input / output functions for acquiring information related to process 1, creates a program for proceeding with subsequent processes (processes 2 and 3), and executes it using a processor such as a CPU. This makes it easier to perform operations related to the evaluation of microbial activity accurately and quickly.

[0033] Each process in the evaluation unit 3 will be explained below. Furthermore, the description of the process in evaluation unit 3 is merely an example of an embodiment and is not limited thereto.

[0034] First, as step 1, the step of acquiring information obtained by the measurement means 2 is sufficient if it involves collecting the measurement results of the object to be measured (treated water) as information (data), as described above. At this time, the timing of data collection may be continuous or at predetermined intervals. Conventional methods of visually assessing microbial activity by workers were based on the results of measurements (evaluations) conducted at most a few times a day. In contrast, the microbial activity evaluation device 1 of this embodiment uses a measurement means 2 that enables rapid and appropriate information acquisition, making it easy to increase the frequency of information input to the evaluation unit 3, and enabling rapid assessment of microbial activity. This makes it possible to appropriately grasp even rapid changes in microbial activity.

[0035] Next, as step 2, the process of converting the information obtained in step 1 into a form in which the relationship with information related to microbial activity can be understood can be described as using information related to the relationship between the data obtained by measurement means 2 and information related to microbial activity (calculation formulas, analysis programs, etc.) to perform calculations to convert the information collected in step 1 (data obtained by measurement means 2) into information related to microbial activity. Specifically, examples include converting data measured in the wavelength range of the oxygen absorption band by measurement means 2 into information related to fluctuations in oxygen amount and the distribution of oxygen in the measurement area, or converting measurement data in the visible range by measurement means 2 into information (image data) related to the shape and size of microbial groups (or individual microorganisms) present in the treated water. Regarding the relationship between the data acquired by the measurement means 2 and the information related to microbial activity, pre-acquired data may be used, or the information may be acquired during the operation of the microbial activity evaluation device 1. In the operation of the microbial activity evaluation device 1, means of acquiring the information used in step 2 include, for example, using a computing device that generates and executes a machine learning program (learning model) based on accumulated data on the relationship between the data acquired by the measurement means 2 and the information related to microbial activity, as training data, or using a computing device that automatically generates and executes a predictive model that predicts the relationship between the data acquired by the measurement means 2 and the information related to microbial activity, based on this training data and learning model.

[0036] A specific example of the evaluation unit 3 that carries out step 2 is shown in Figure 1, which includes a calculation means 3a and a data storage means 3b within the evaluation unit 3, and stores information relating to the relationship between the data acquired by the measurement means 2 and information related to microbial activity (information acquired in advance or information acquired during the operation of the microbial activity evaluation device 1) in the data storage means 3b. In this case, step 2 involves inputting the image data collected from the measurement means 2 and the information stored in the data storage means 3b into the calculation means 3a, and the calculation means 3a converts the data acquired by the measurement means 2 into information related to microbial activity.

[0037] In this case, the information related to microbial activity converted by the calculation means 3a represents the absolute value of the parameter related to microbial activity, or the trend of fluctuation of the parameter related to microbial activity. Here, the parameter related to microbial activity preferably includes at least one of the following, as described above: the amount of substance involved in the respiration rate of microorganisms (decrease / increase in oxygen / carbon dioxide), the amount of oxygen taken into the microorganism (oxygen distribution present in the microorganism), the amount of organic matter produced / consumed by microbial metabolism, and the amount of organic matter present between microorganisms during microbial community formation (amount of organic matter in biofilm). This makes it possible to grasp the activity of microorganisms with higher accuracy than conventional measurements involving staining (marking) of microorganisms or judgments based on visual inspection by workers, and also improves the usefulness of the content (information) obtained as an evaluation result.

[0038] The information related to microbial activity converted by the calculation means 3a is information that can be converted (calculated) from the data acquired by the measurement means 2, and preferably includes information useful for evaluating microbial activity in addition to the parameters related to microbial activity described above. Information useful for evaluating microbial activity includes, as described above, information related to the shape and size of microbial groups (or individual microorganisms) in the treated water, and information related to the identification and quantification of microorganisms.

[0039] Then, in step 3, which involves outputting evaluation results related to microbial activity based on the information converted in step 2, the information obtained in step 2 may be output directly to the external source. However, considering the convenience of information use at the output destination, it is preferable to make a judgment regarding the quality of microbial activity (for example, whether it is in a good state where no changes or additions to the processing content are necessary, or whether some kind of action (changes or additions to the processing content) is necessary), and output the evaluation results related to microbial activity in a combined form.

[0040] A specific example of the evaluation unit 3 that carries out process 3 is shown in Figure 1, which includes an output means 3c within the evaluation unit 3, connected to allow input of the results of the calculation means 3a and the information stored in the data storage means 3b, and outputs the evaluation results related to microbial activity to the outside. In this case, regarding the handling of information in the output means 3c, as described above, the result of the calculation means 3a may be output directly to the outside, but it is preferable to perform calculations for evaluating microbial activity from the result of the calculation means 3a and the information stored in the data storage means 3b. Examples of the calculations at this time include obtaining information representing good or bad microbial activity (such as a numerical threshold) from the information stored in the data storage means 3b and performing a comparative calculation by comparing it with the result of the calculation means 3a.

[0041] Furthermore, in step 3, when outputting the evaluation results related to microbial activity, the content of the evaluation results may be notified to the worker using strings of characters, symbols, etc., via a display means such as a monitor, or notification may be given by sound or light.

[0042] Furthermore, the evaluation results related to microbial activity obtained in step 3 (output data from output means 3c) may also be input to data storage means 3b and used as training data for forming learning models and prediction models within data storage means 3b. Furthermore, in order to suppress the decrease in accuracy of the evaluation in the evaluation unit 3, a program may be executed that periodically or as needed to compare the evaluation results related to microbial activity from the output means 3c with the information in the data storage means 3b, and automatically reshape (reconstruct) the learning model and prediction model.

[0043] As described above, the microbial activity evaluation device of this embodiment is based on the findings that, as a result of diligent research by the inventors, it is possible to obtain information on the activity of microorganisms by performing measurements based on spectral imaging technology on water to be treated for biological treatment, and that it is possible to distinguish between microbial activity levels with significant differences. By comprising a measurement means using spectral imaging technology and an evaluation unit that evaluates the activity of microorganisms based on the information obtained by the measurement means, it is possible to quickly and appropriately grasp the activity of microorganisms without conventional measurements involving staining (marking) of microorganisms or dissolved oxygen measurement, or judgments based on visual inspection by workers, and it is also possible to appropriately grasp cases where the activity of microorganisms changes rapidly.

[0044] In this embodiment, the microbial activity evaluation device only needs to include at least an evaluation unit 3, to which information acquired based on spectral imaging technology regarding the water to be treated for biological treatment is input, and to which it is possible to acquire (calculate) evaluation results related to the activity of microorganisms. It is not essential to include a measurement means 2. However, from the viewpoint of making it easy to link the operation related to acquiring information on the activity of microorganisms based on spectral imaging technology with the operation related to evaluating the activity of microorganisms based on this information, it is preferable that the microbial activity evaluation device of this embodiment includes a measurement means 2 in addition to the evaluation unit 3, as shown in Figure 1. This makes it easy to acquire and update information required for evaluating the activity of microorganisms involved in biological treatment, and makes it easy to appropriately grasp the activity of microorganisms involved in biological treatment.

[0045] Furthermore, the microbial activity evaluation device of this embodiment can quickly and appropriately assess the activity level of microorganisms and is suitable for use in various technologies related to biological treatment. Below, as an example of applying the microbial activity evaluation device of this embodiment, embodiments relating to the operation control device of a biological treatment system and the biological treatment system will be described exemplified.

[0046] [Operation control device and biological treatment system for biological treatment systems] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating the operation control device and the structure of the biological treatment system in an embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the operation control device 10 of the biological treatment system (hereinafter also simply referred to as "operation control device 10") is provided in the biological treatment system 100 which includes a biological treatment tank 200, and performs operation control related to the biological treatment system 100. As shown in Figure 3, it comprises the microbial activity evaluation device 1 described above, and a control unit 20 which controls at least one of the following: the aeration amount or stirring amount in the biological treatment tank 200, or the amount of sludge returned to the biological treatment tank 200. Furthermore, the biological treatment system 100 of this embodiment is equipped with various facilities related to biological treatment, and as shown in Figure 3, it comprises an operation control device 10, a biological treatment tank 200 for performing biological treatment of the water to be treated, and a solid-liquid separation unit 300. In this embodiment, the biological treatment tank 200 in the biological treatment system 100 refers to the entire facility that performs biological treatment on the water to be treated, and may perform either aerobic or anaerobic treatment. An example of the biological treatment tank 200 in this embodiment is one that includes a stirring tank 210 equipped with a stirring means 211 and an aeration tank 220 equipped with an aeration means 221, as shown in Figure 3. In Figure 3, the white arrows indicate the direction of movement (transportation) of the water to be treated, and the dashed-dotted arrows indicate connections that enable input / output of information (data) or operational (drive) control of each piece of equipment.

[0047] The following describes the various configurations of the operation control device 10 and the biological processing system 100 of this embodiment. Regarding the operation control device 10 and the microbial activity evaluation device 1 provided in the biological treatment system 100 of this embodiment, the same device as the microbial activity evaluation device 1 described above can be used, and a description of its configuration will be omitted.

[0048] Here, Figure 3 shows a configuration in the microbial activity evaluation device 1 where multiple measurement means 2 are provided, and multiple measurements are taken on the treated water used for biological treatment (treated water before being supplied to the biological treatment tank 200 and treated water supplied to and contained in the biological treatment tank 200). In addition, other measurement targets (such as treated water discharged from the biological treatment tank 200) may be added as measurement targets for the measurement means 2, in addition to those shown in Figure 3. This increases the amount of information on microbial activity obtained by the measurement means 2, and makes it possible to improve the accuracy of evaluation related to microbial activity. Specifically, in addition to understanding the microbial activity in each process related to biological treatment, it becomes easier to quickly and accurately understand at which process (at which stage) fluctuations in microbial activity occur, and it becomes possible to appropriately select the control target and control content by the operation control device 10. On the other hand, the microbial activity evaluation device 1 provided in the operation control device 10 and the biological treatment system 100 of this embodiment only needs to be equipped with at least one measuring means 2, and is not limited to what is shown in Figure 3. For example, considering the initial cost and operating cost, any two of the three measuring means 2 shown in Figure 3 may be omitted, with the exception of one measuring means 2 provided in the biological treatment tank 200.

[0049] (Operation control device) The operation control device 10 of this embodiment is installed in the biological treatment system 100, and based on the information on microbial activity obtained from the microbial activity evaluation device 1 described above, it controls at least one of the following, which has a particularly large impact due to microbial activity (impact on biological treatment efficiency): the aeration amount or stirring amount in the biological treatment tank 200, or the amount of sludge returned to the biological treatment tank 200, in order to smoothly perform maintenance and management related to the operation of the biological treatment system 100.

[0050] The control unit 20 in the operation control device 10 of this embodiment only needs to be capable of controlling at least one of the following in the biological treatment system 100: the aeration rate or stirring rate in the biological treatment tank 200, or the amount of sludge returned to the biological treatment tank 200. In other words, it is sufficient that the control unit targets equipment or mechanisms within the biological treatment system 100 that enable adjustment of at least one of the following: the aeration rate or stirring rate in the biological treatment tank 200, or the amount of sludge returned to the biological treatment tank 200. Specific examples of controlled objects in the operation control device 10 of this embodiment include, as shown in Figure 3, drive control of the drive motor M of the stirring means 211 provided in the stirring tank 210, drive control of the blower B of the aeration means 221 provided in the aeration tank 220, and drive control of the return pump 311 in the sludge return means 310 for returning the solid components (sludge) separated and recovered by the solid-liquid separation unit 300 to the biological treatment tank 200.

[0051] The operation control by the control unit 20 described above may include manual operation by an operator, but from the viewpoint of reducing the workload of the operator, it is preferable to make it capable of automatic control. Specifically, the control unit 20 may be a computing device that uses a CPU or other processor to execute programs necessary for acquiring information from the microbial activity evaluation device 1 (acquisition of evaluation results related to microbial activity), and for sending control signals related to the aeration or stirring amount in the biological treatment tank and the amount of sludge returned to the biological treatment tank, thereby enabling automatic control.

[0052] Furthermore, the operation control device 10 of this embodiment can also be applied to existing biological treatment systems equipped with equipment or mechanisms for adjusting at least one of the following: the aeration rate or stirring rate in the biological treatment tank, or the amount of sludge returned to the biological treatment tank. This allows existing biological treatment systems to operate without any time delay in understanding the activity level of microorganisms, and regardless of the skill level of the workers, to appropriately understand the activity level of microorganisms and perform operation control related to the adjustment of various parameters (aeration rate or stirring rate in the biological treatment tank 200, amount of sludge returned to the biological treatment tank) that are involved in the treatment efficiency of the biological treatment tank 200, thereby enabling smooth maintenance and management of the biological treatment system.

[0053] (Biological processing system) The biological treatment system 100 of this embodiment operates via an operation control device 10 that controls at least one of the following, based on information related to microbial activity obtained from the microbial activity evaluation device 1 described above, which has a particularly large impact on biological treatment efficiency: the aeration rate or stirring rate in the biological treatment tank 200, or the amount of sludge returned to the biological treatment tank. This facilitates smooth maintenance and management of the operation of the biological treatment system 100, or optimization during continuous operation of the biological treatment system 100.

[0054] As shown in Figure 3, the biological treatment system 100 of this embodiment comprises an operation control device 10, a biological treatment tank 200 for performing biological treatment of the water to be treated, and a solid-liquid separation unit 300 for performing solid-liquid separation treatment on the water to be treated discharged from the biological treatment tank 200. The biological treatment tank 200 may also include a stirring tank 210 equipped with a stirring means 211 and an aeration tank 220 equipped with an aeration means 221.

[0055] Herein, the configurations of the operation control device 10 (and microbial activity evaluation device 1) in the biological treatment system 100 of this embodiment are as described above, and below, the configurations of the biological treatment tank 200 and the solid-liquid separation unit 300 will be explained by example.

[0056] The stirring tank 210 is designed to create aerobic conditions within the tank by stirring the water to be treated, thereby promoting biological treatment (aerobic treatment) of the water to be treated. The specific structure of the stirring tank 210 is not particularly limited, but for example, as shown in Figure 3, it may be equipped with a stirring means 211 (such as stirring blades) driven by a drive motor M controlled by the operation control device 10 described above, inside the tank body connected to the line L1 into which the water to be treated is introduced.

[0057] The aeration tank 220 receives the water to be treated from the stirring tank 210 and further advances the aerobic treatment by performing aeration on this water. The specific structure of the aeration tank 220 is not particularly limited, but for example, as shown in Figure 3, it may be equipped with an aeration means 221 (such as a diffuser pipe) that diffuses air within the tank body into which the water to be treated is introduced from the stirring tank 210, and which is controlled by the blower B controlled by the operation control device 10 described above. Furthermore, the means for moving (transporting) the treated water from the stirring tank 210 to the aeration tank 220 are not particularly limited. The stirring tank 210 and a part of the aeration tank 220 may be connected, or the water may be transferred via a pump or the like.

[0058] Furthermore, the biological treatment tank 200 of the biological treatment system 100 in this embodiment only needs to be capable of sufficiently carrying out biological treatment (aerobic treatment in this embodiment), and is not limited to being equipped with a stirring tank 210 and an aeration tank 220 as shown in Figure 3. In other words, depending on the type and amount of the components to be treated contained in the water to be treated, it is possible to omit the stirring tank 210 or the aeration tank 220.

[0059] The solid-liquid separation unit 300 performs solid-liquid separation treatment on the water to be treated discharged from the biological treatment tank 200, separating it into treated water (discharged outside the system via line L3) and solid components (sludge). A portion of the solid components (sludge) is returned to the biological treatment tank 200 via the sludge return means 310. The specific structure of the solid-liquid separation unit 300 is not particularly limited, but examples include structures known as sedimentation tanks in sewage treatment plants and water purification plants.

[0060] An example of a sludge return means 310 provided in the solid-liquid separation unit 300 is a system consisting of a line L4 connecting the solid-liquid separation unit 300 and the biological treatment tank 200, and a return pump 311 provided on line L4 and controlled by the aforementioned operation control device 10.

[0061] Furthermore, if the biological treatment in the biological treatment system 100 is anaerobic treatment, a known anaerobic treatment tank can be used as the biological treatment tank 200. In this case, the control target of the operation control device 10 will mainly be related to the amount of sludge returned to the biological treatment tank 200.

[0062] As described above, the operation control device and biological treatment system of this embodiment can perform operation control related to adjusting various parameters related to the treatment efficiency in the biological treatment tank after appropriately understanding the activity level of microorganisms, regardless of the skill level of the operator, and without any time delay in understanding the activity level of microorganisms, and thus enable smooth maintenance and management of the operation of the biological treatment system.

[0063] The embodiments described above are examples of a microbial activity evaluation device, a microbial activity evaluation method, an operation control device, and a biological treatment system. The microbial activity evaluation device, a microbial activity evaluation method, an operation control device, and a biological treatment system according to the present invention are not limited to the embodiments described above, and the microbial activity evaluation device, a microbial activity evaluation method, an operation control device, and a biological treatment system according to the embodiments described above may be modified without changing the gist of the claims.

[0064] For example, in the operation control device and biological treatment system using the microbial activity evaluation device in this embodiment, the control object of the control unit 20 is not limited to controlling at least one of the following: the aeration rate or stirring rate in the biological treatment tank 200, or the amount of sludge returned to the biological treatment tank 200. For example, other control objects of the control unit 20 include those related to improving the treatment efficiency in the biological treatment tank 200 and the solid-liquid separation unit 300. More specifically, a chemical addition means is provided for adding chemicals to the biological treatment tank 200 and / or the solid-liquid separation unit 300, and the amount of chemicals added by this chemical addition means is added to the control target of the control unit 20.

[0065] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating the structure of an operation control device 11 and a biological treatment system 101 using the microbial activity evaluation device 1, as an alternative embodiment of this model. Note that Figure 4 omits the description of the connection between the control unit 20 and the controlled objects of the control unit 20 (drive motor M of the stirring means 211, blower B of the aeration means 221, and return pump 311 in the sludge return means 310) as shown in Figure 3. In addition, in the operation control device 11 and biological treatment system 101 shown in Figure 4, the same reference numerals are used for components that are the same as those in the operation control device 10 and biological treatment system 100 shown in Figure 3, and their descriptions are omitted.

[0066] As shown in Figure 4, the operation control device 11 and the biological treatment system 101 are equipped with chemical tanks T1 to T3 as means (chemical addition means) for adding chemicals to the biological treatment tank 200 and the solid-liquid separation unit 300 in order to improve the treatment efficiency of each. Furthermore, the chemicals stored in each chemical tank T1 to T3 are supplied to the biological treatment tank 200 or the solid-liquid separation unit 300 via chemical supply pumps P1 to P3 (hereinafter simply referred to as "pumps P1 to P3"). At this time, the amount of chemicals added to the biological treatment tank 200 and / or the solid-liquid separation unit 300 can be controlled by controlling the drive of each pump P1 to P3 by the control unit 20.

[0067] Here, the chemicals stored in each chemical tank T1 to T3 can be any known chemicals that contribute to improving the processing efficiency at the facilities and equipment to which the chemicals are supplied. Specifically, for example, if the biological treatment tank 200 consists of a combination of a stirring tank 210 and an aeration tank 220, a shortage of nutrients (hydrogen donors) necessary for biological treatment and a decrease in pH may occur. Therefore, the chemicals supplied from the chemical tank T1 to the stirring tank 210 are preferably those that function as hydrogen donors, and specifically include lower alcohols such as methanol, and easily biodegradable organic substances such as carboxylic acids and carboxylic acid derivatives. Furthermore, the chemicals supplied from the chemical tank T2 to the aeration tank 220 are preferably those that function as pH adjusters to neutralize the decreased pH, and specifically include metal hydroxides (aqueous solutions of metal hydroxides) such as sodium hydroxide (aqueous solution of sodium hydroxide) and potassium hydroxide (aqueous solution of potassium hydroxide). As a result, the operation control device 11 and the biological treatment system 101 can quickly and appropriately grasp the decrease in microbial activity using the microbial activity evaluation device 1, and then control the amount of chemicals supplied, which greatly affects microbial activity, using the control unit 20. In other words, the operation control device 11 and the biological treatment system 101 can supply the microorganisms with the appropriate amount of nutrients (hydrogen donors) according to their activity level, and it also becomes easy to maintain a pH range suitable for the microorganisms.

[0068] Furthermore, as one means of improving the processing efficiency in the solid-liquid separation unit 300, a coagulant is stored in the chemical tank T3 and supplied to the downstream side (outlet side) of the aeration tank 220, as shown in Figure 4. By supplying the coagulant to the aeration tank 220 located upstream of the solid-liquid separation unit 300, the water to be treated and the coagulant can be introduced into the solid-liquid separation unit 300 after sufficient reaction. The coagulant can be one that is commonly used in water treatment, such as an aluminum salt-based inorganic coagulant such as PAC or an iron salt-based inorganic coagulant such as polyferric sulfate, or a polyacrylamide-based polymer coagulant. This improves the processing efficiency of separating solid and liquid components in the solid-liquid separation unit 300, and also allows for the removal of phosphorus by solid-liquid separation (for example, by processing in the solid-liquid separation unit 300) as a solid (phosphate) by the reaction of polyvalent metal ions in the coagulant with phosphorus (phosphate ions) in the water to be treated. Regarding the coagulant supply location from the chemical tank T3, the downstream side (outlet side) of the aeration tank 220 shown in Figure 4 is a preferred example, but it is not limited to this. For example, the coagulant from the chemical tank T3 may be supplied to the solid-liquid separation unit 300.

[0069] In the operation control device 11 and biological treatment system 101 shown in Figure 4, by using the microbial activity evaluation device 1, it is possible to appropriately understand the microbial activity without any time delay in determining the microbial activity, and regardless of the skill level of the worker, and then perform operation control that affects the treatment efficiency in the biological treatment tank 200 and / or solid-liquid separation unit 300. More specifically, the operation control device 11 and the biological treatment system 101 can quickly and appropriately grasp the activity level of microorganisms and perform operational control related to the adjustment of various parameters involved in the treatment efficiency in the biological treatment tank 200 (aeration rate or stirring rate in the biological treatment tank 200, amount of sludge returned to the biological treatment tank), as well as control the amount of chemicals added to the biological treatment tank 200 and / or the solid-liquid separation unit 300. This makes it easier to streamline maintenance and management related to the operation of the biological treatment system, or to optimize the biological treatment system during continuous operation. [Industrial applicability]

[0070] The microbial activity evaluation apparatus and microbial activity evaluation method of the present invention are suitably used for the rapid and appropriate acquisition of information regarding microbial activity. Furthermore, the operation control device and biological treatment system of the present invention are suitably used in various biological treatments. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0071] 1 Microbial activity evaluation device, 2 Measurement means, 3 Evaluation unit, 3a Calculation means, 3b Data storage means, 3c Output means, 10,11 Operation control device, 20 Control unit, 100,101 Biological treatment system, 200 Biological treatment tank, 210 Agitation tank, 211 Agitation means, 220 Aeration tank, 221 Aeration means, 300 Solid-liquid separation unit, 310 Sludge return means, 311 Return pump, L1~L4 Line, M Drive motor, B Blower, P1~P3 Chemical supply pump, T1~T3 Chemical tank

Claims

1. A microbial activity evaluation device characterized by performing an evaluation of microbial activity based on information obtained by spectral imaging technology, which measures the water to be treated in biological treatment.

2. The microbial activity evaluation apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a measurement means for acquiring the aforementioned information.

3. The microbial activity evaluation apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that the measurement means measures the treated water in the biological treatment tank.

4. The microbial activity evaluation apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the evaluation content relating to the activity level of the microorganism is output externally.

5. A method for evaluating microbial activity, characterized by comprising an evaluation step that evaluates the activity level of microorganisms based on information obtained by spectral imaging technology, which measures the water to be treated in biological treatment.

6. An operation control device for controlling the operation of a biological treatment system equipped with a biological treatment tank, A microbial activity evaluation apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, An operation control device comprising a control unit that controls at least one of the following: the amount of aeration or stirring in the biological treatment tank, and the amount of sludge returned to the biological treatment tank.

7. The operation control device according to claim 6, A biological treatment system characterized by comprising a biological treatment tank for performing biological treatment on water to be treated.

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