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...
by Erik Rumbaugh | Jul 22, 2025 | Biomass Optimization, Wastewater Monitoring, Wastewater Testing, Wastewater Troubleshooting
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, there...
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 | May 7, 2025 | Bioaugmentation, Biomass Optimization, Wastewater Troubleshooting
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...
by Erik Rumbaugh | Apr 24, 2025 | Wastewater Procedure, Wastewater Testing, Wastewater Troubleshooting
Wastewater treatment plants are complex ecosystems with many forms of microscopic life. While bacteria are the primary workhorses, breaking down pollutants, a diverse community of other microorganisms, particularly protozoa, plays a crucial role. These tiny creatures...
by Erik Rumbaugh | Apr 13, 2025 | Biomass Optimization, Wastewater Microbiome, Wastewater Monitoring, Wastewater Testing, Wastewater Troubleshooting
Biological wastewater treatment units contain an ecosystem where diverse organisms collaborate to treat the wastewater. These microbial communities play essential roles in removing pollutants, recycling nutrients, and maintaining water quality. While there are...
