by Erik Rumbaugh | Mar 2, 2026 | Uncategorized
Spring algae blooms are a familiar challenge for many wastewater treatment facilities that operate polishing ponds—also known as maturation, tertiary, or finishing lagoons. These shallow systems follow secondary treatment and rely on natural processes to further...
by Erik Rumbaugh | Feb 17, 2026 | Uncategorized
Filamentous Organism Common Problem(s) Primary Causes / Selectors Notes / Typical Conditions Microthrix parvicella Bulking + Foaming Low temperature (<15–20°C), high fats/oils/greases (FOG/lipids), long SRT/MCRT, anaerobic/anoxic zones Very common in winter/cold...
by Erik Rumbaugh | Jan 29, 2026 | Uncategorized
Deflocculation is one of those operational problems that can turn a perfectly healthy activated sludge system into a cloudy, turbid mess. Instead of forming tight, settleable flocs, biomass disperses into fine particles that slip through clarifiers, raise effluent...
by Erik Rumbaugh | Jan 20, 2026 | Uncategorized
For decades, wastewater treatment has relied on the traditional “Bardenpho” approach: Nitrification followed by Denitrification. While reliable, this process is energy-intensive and often requires costly external carbon sources. As we push toward...
by Erik Rumbaugh | Jan 15, 2026 | Uncategorized
We’re breaking down common misconceptions about activated sludge, nitrification, and process control that might be costing you money and stability. As wastewater professionals, we operate at the intersection of rigorous engineering and chaotic biology. Because...
by Erik Rumbaugh | Jan 8, 2026 | Uncategorized
Lowering dissolved oxygen (DO) below 2 mg/L in aerobic wastewater treatment can reduce aeration energy costs, but it risks impairing nitrification (ammonia oxidation) and subsequent denitrification (nitrate/nitrite removal), leading to poor ammonia and total nitrogen...
