Articles

Total Suspended Solids (TSS) & Volatile Suspended Solids (VSS)

TSS testing measures the total concentration of suspended (non-soluble) solids in the aeration stabilization basin (ASB) or in effluents. The total suspended solids (TSS) data is critical in determining the operational behavior of a waste treatment system. It is...

Mixed Liquor Suspended Solids (MLSS) and Mixed Liquor Volatile Suspended Solids (MLVSS)

Mixed Liquor Suspended Solids

MLSS testing measures the total concentration of mixed liquor suspended (non-soluble) solids in the aeration basin of an activated sludge system. The mixed liquor suspended solids (MLSS) data is critical in determining the operational behavior and solids inventory. It...

Ammonia in Wastewater

Wastewater

Nitrogen, as ammonia, is a critical nutrient in biological wastewater treatment. It is utilized by bacteria to make proteins, including enzymes needed to break down food or BOD as well as in making energy. In activated sludge, the two primary symptoms of nutrient...

Features of a Wastewater Microscopic Evaluation

Wastewater

The purpose of a microscopic evaluation is to determine the biological health of a wastewater treatment system. The results can be used to help predict Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD), Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD), TOC, and TSS results or to determine whether or not...

pH Testing in Wastewater Treatment

Testing

The pH of the environment has a profound effect on the rate of microbial growth. pH affects the function of metabolic enzymes. Acidic conditions (low pH) or basic conditions (high pH) alter the structure of the enzyme and stop growth. Most microorganisms do well...

Troubleshooting Aerated Stabilization Basin

Aerated Stabilization Basins

Aerated Stabilization Basin (ASBs) performance can be associated with numerous root causes, both chronic and intermittent. The three main conditions leading to loss of system performance and potential permit violations are discussed below. Temporary upsets due to...

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