by Erik Rumbaugh | Nov 6, 2025 | Sludge, Wastewater Troubleshooting
As wastewater professionals, we’re all familiar with the activated sludge process—the backbone of many treatment plants. But one aspect that often flies under the radar until it causes issues is endogenous phase biomass, commonly referred to as “old...
by Erik Rumbaugh | Oct 30, 2025 | Biofilms, Biological Nutrient Removal
Wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) are increasingly required to meet stringent inorganic nitrogen discharge limits, necessitating reliable year-round ammonia oxidation and denitrification. Integrating biofilm-based technologies, such as Moving Bed Biofilm Reactors...
by Erik Rumbaugh | Oct 20, 2025 | Wastewater Troubleshooting
Domestic wastewater is a complex mixture of organic and synthetic compounds. Its overall strength is typically assessed using indicators like BOD₅ (Biochemical Oxygen Demand), COD (Chemical Oxygen Demand), and TOC (Total Organic Carbon). Within this mix are readily...
by Erik Rumbaugh | Oct 14, 2025 | Wastewater Troubleshooting
We are often asked about the impact of various chemicals on wastewater treatment plants. Over the years, we have compounded a list of the primary industrial chemicals that inhibit the growth and activity of microorganisms in wastewater treatment systems, leading to a...
by Erik Rumbaugh | Oct 12, 2025 | Uncategorized
As temperatures drop, wastewater treatment plants face a seasonal challenge that’s as subtle as it is critical: maintaining the delicate balance between nitrifying bacteria and filamentous organisms. Winter operations demand longer sludge ages to support...
