Understanding Deflocculation in Wastewater Treatment

by Erik Rumbaugh | Nov 18, 2025 | Wastewater Troubleshooting

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

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...

Persistent Household Chemicals in Wastewater Treatment

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...

Toxic Impacts: Key Chemicals That Undermine Wastewater Treatment Efficiency

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...

Optimizing Anaerobic Digesters: Evaluating Performance and Ensuring Biological Vitality

by Erik Rumbaugh | Aug 24, 2025 | Anaerobic digester, Biomass Optimization, Wastewater Testing, Wastewater Troubleshooting

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 of...

Maximizing Wastewater Intelligence: How Oxygen Uptake Rates Elevate Plant Operations

by Erik Rumbaugh | Aug 6, 2025 | Wastewater Monitoring, Wastewater Procedure, Wastewater Troubleshooting

🧠 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...