Abstract:

        Anaerobic granular sludge is a definitive factor in anaerobic effluent treatment. This paper addresses the main microbial communities in anaerobic granular sludge, especially the methanogen community. This paper also surveys the application of such modern molecular biotechnology as FISH, RTPCR, DGGE, 16S rRNA and T-RFLP in the research of microbial communities of anaerobic granular sludge. We eventually present the development prospect for the formation of the granular sludge, its growth process and the regulation of microbial communities in granular sludge.

Key words: anaerobic granular sludge, microbial community, molecular biotechnology