by Erik Rumbaugh | Aug 12, 2025 | Biological Nutrient Removal, Filamentous Bulking
As the summer months continue, wastewater treatment plants face a surge in operational hurdles. Higher temperatures not only accelerate biological processes but also exacerbate issues like reduced oxygen levels and microbial imbalances. For operators, this means...
by Erik Rumbaugh | Jul 16, 2025 | Biological Nutrient Removal
Using large air bubbles to mix activated sludge in an anoxic zone while maintaining low redox (oxidation-reduction potential) is a strategy employed in wastewater treatment to achieve denitrification. Here’s a breakdown of why this approach is effective:...
by Erik Rumbaugh | Jul 1, 2025 | Biological Nutrient Removal, Wastewater Troubleshooting
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) systems,...
by Erik Rumbaugh | Jun 12, 2025 | Biological Nutrient Removal
Ammonia oxidation is a cornerstone of the global nitrogen cycle, traditionally attributed to a specialized group of chemoautotrophic bacteria. However, a fascinating and increasingly recognized process called heterotrophic nitrification is performed by a wide range of...
by Erik Rumbaugh | Mar 12, 2025 | Biological Nutrient Removal
Phosphorus is a critical nutrient that, in excess, can lead to eutrophication in water bodies, causing harmful algal blooms and deteriorating water quality. Biological phosphorus removal (BPR) is an effective and sustainable method used in wastewater treatment plants...
by Erik Rumbaugh | Dec 6, 2024 | Biological Nutrient Removal
Simultaneous Nitrification-Denitrification (SNdN) is an advanced process used in wastewater treatment to remove nitrogen compounds. Here’s a detailed look at how it works: Process Overview: Nitrification: This involves the biological oxidation of ammonia (NH₃)...
