Abstract: The invention comprises the use of bacterially generated polymers as coagulants and flocculents for the removal of suspended solids from wastewater. Polymer producing bacteria such as Bacillus polymyxa NRRL 21881 are added to wastewater treatment systems. The bacteria will reproduce in the system, substantially increasing the number of coagulants over the amount of original bacteria introduced. Throughout their life cycles, the bacteria will biologically treat BOD.sub.5 in the system. When the BOD.sub.5 levels are sufficiently low, the bacteria will produce polymers to increase their ability to capture organic matter. The polymers will capture the suspended particles in the water, creating strands of polymer connected particles. As the strands come into contact with one another, the strands will become entwined, creating flocs. These flocs will combine and will absorb the suspended particles which they encounter.

Abstract: A device for maintaining effective bacterial levels within a collecting container of an organic matter collection system of the type having a collecting container having a bottom and a liquid to air interface-surface is provided. The bacterial incubator has an enclosure defining an interior, the enclosure adapted to be positioned beneath said liquid to air interface-surface. The enclosure has a plurality of apertures therethrough, the apertures sized to allow the flow of wastewater into the interior of the enclosure. Placed in the interior is a packing having a high surface area. The apertures in the enclosure are sized to retain the packing in the interior. The packing is adapted to allow wastewater to flow therethrough.

Abstract: A device and method for maintaining effective bacterial levels within a collecting container of an organic matter collection system of the type having a collecting container having a bottom and a liquid to air interface-surface is provided. The bacterial incubator comprise: a housing having a first and second interior chamber; an elongated feed tube, connected to the housing, having a passageway terminating at one end in connection with the second interior chamber and terminating at the other end in a feed opening; and a plurality of high surface-area members that are contained within the first interior chamber. The first interior chamber is in fluid connection with both the second interior chamber and the exterior of the housing. The elongated feed tube is of a length sufficient to allow a section thereof containing the feed opening to be positioned above the air to liquid interface-surface of a collecting container.