The Hidden Universe: Understanding Microbial Dark Matter
Ever wondered what we're missing in the microbial world? Just like astronomical dark matter makes up most of our universe but remains largely mysterious, microbial dark matter represents the hidden majority of life on Earth - over 99% of microbial species that we...
Optimizing Anaerobic Digesters: Evaluating Performance and Ensuring Biological Vitality
Anaerobic digesters are marvels of sustainable technology, transforming organic waste—like manure, food scraps, and sewage—into renewable energy in the form of biogas while reducing greenhouse gas emissions. At their core, these systems rely on a complex community...
Maximizing Wastewater Intelligence: How Oxygen Uptake Rates Elevate Plant Operations
🧠 When biomass whispers, OUR listens. Oxygen Uptake Rate (OUR) is the microbial pulse check every operator should have in their back pocket. Measured with a simple dissolved oxygen (D.O.) meter in a BOD bottle, OUR reveals how actively the biological community is...
The Role of F/M Ratio and MCRT in Wastewater Biodiversity
The Shannon Diversity Index (H') is a widely used metric in ecology to quantify the biodiversity of a community. In the context of wastewater treatment, it measures the diversity and evenness of microbial species within the activated sludge biomass. This diversity...
Enhancing MLSS Settleability and Compaction: Strategies for More Efficient Secondary Clarifiers
Mixed Liquor Suspended Solids (MLSS) are the heart of biological wastewater treatment—and how well they settle can make or break plant efficiency. Poor settleability leads to solids carryover, elevated TSS in effluent, and headaches for operators. Fortunately,...
From Free Floaters to Organized Communities: How Bacteria Become Floc or Biofilm in Wastewater Treatment
In the bustling microcosm of a wastewater treatment plant, bacteria don’t just float around aimlessly—they evolve, interact, and build structured communities that play critical roles in purification processes. Two major forms of bacterial aggregation dominate:...
Favoring PAOs Over GAOs in Wastewater Treatment
As the temperature rises during the summer months, wastewater treatment operators often face a hidden biological battle—Polyphosphate-Accumulating Organisms (PAO) versus Glycogen-Accumulating Organisms (GAO). In Enhanced Biological Phosphorus Removal (EBPR)...
Harnessing Biological Treatment for Superior Manure Management in Pull-Pits and Lagoons
Managing manure in livestock operations is a complex challenge, with problems related to polluted water, odors, and decreased livestock health in enclosed areas. By introducing beneficial biological agents, producers can enhance manure liquefication in pull-pits,...
MCA vs qPCR – Which Should You Use
Microbial communities play a crucial role in wastewater treatment, helping break down organic pollutants, remove nutrients, and support overall ecosystem health. When analyzing these environmental cultures, researchers use molecular tools like Next-Generation...
The Power of Professional Bioaugmentation: Why Expert Consultation Is Essential
Bioaugmentation tools have been around for over 50 years in wastewater treatment. While they have been used successfully in numerous locations, there have also been numerous applications with limited results. Successful use of bioaugmentation isn't just about...
