The Role of Macro & Micro Nutrients in Biological Wastewater Treatment
Biological wastewater treatment is powered by microorganisms. Just like us, these tiny workers need a balanced diet to stay healthy and perform their job—breaking down pollutants. Their diet consists of macro-nutrients and micro-nutrients, each playing a vital role...
Understanding Deflocculation in Wastewater Treatment
In biological wastewater treatment process efficiency relies on the health and stability of the microbial flocs— aggregates of bacteria, adsorbed organics, and inorganics. When these flocs break apart, a problem known as deflocculation occurs. This phenomenon is a...
Understanding Endogenous Phase Biomass in Wastewater Treatment: The Hidden Costs of Old Sludge
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 sludge." This...
Persistent Household Chemicals in Wastewater Treatment
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...
Toxic Impacts: Key Chemicals That Undermine Wastewater Treatment Efficiency
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...
Preparing for Winter Wastewater Operations: The Sludge Age Balancing Act
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...
The Impact of Quaternary Ammonium Compounds (QACs) on Wastewater Biomass and the Role of Biochemistry in Managing QAC Degradation and Toxicity
Quaternary Ammonium Compounds (QACs) are commonly found in disinfectants, detergents, and personal care products. Their extensive use has led to increased concentrations in wastewater. To better understand how this impacts biological wastewater treatment, let’s...
Why Wastewater Turns Septic—and What It Means for Treatment Plants
Wastewater treatment is a complex process that relies on a delicate balance of physical, chemical, and biological factors. At the heart of most conventional wastewater treatment plants are microorganisms that break down organic waste. However, when this balance is...
💧 Why Influent TKN Matters More Than Just Ammonia in Wastewater Treatment
When it comes to nitrogen monitoring in wastewater, ammonia often steals the spotlight. But if you're only tracking ammonia, you're missing a critical piece of the puzzle: Total Kjeldahl Nitrogen (TKN). TKN includes both ammonia and organic nitrogen—and...
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...