Investigations into the bacteriology of the Mangere oxidation ponds

Abstract

Prior to commencement of this project it was known that a methane-producing black sludge had accumulated in old harbor channels on the floor of Pond 3. No data were available on the extent or origin of these sludge deposits or on the types and numbers of bacteria present. It was not known whether the action of sludge bacteria made any significant contribution to removal of organic material from the ponds, nor whether such action could be considered a normal part of the waste treatment system. No data on either environmental conditions or bacterial populations in sludge of oxidation ponds were available from the literature.