Microbial composition analysis for 9 mini-scale slow sand filters

Slow sand filtration (SSF) is widely used in drinking water production. To achieve the optimal performance of SSF, a systematic understanding of the influence of SSF operating parameters on the Schmutzdecke development and filter filtration performance is required. In our study, we focused on three operational parameters- sand types, sizes, and the addition of an inoculum (suspension of matured Schmutzdecke), on the mini-scale filters (9cm length). The effects of these parameters on the Schmutzdecke development were studied by 16S amplicon sequencing.