Settleability Problems and Loss of Solids in the Activated Sludge Process

by Michael H. Gerardi

Volume II of the definitive series on the microbiology of wastewater treatment!

Settleability Problems and Loss of Solids in the Activated Sludge Process speaks directly to plant operators, showing them how to identify and solve common problems and achieve maximum efficiency.

Michael H. Gerardi’s hands-on guide addresses the most common plant operational problems, such as increased costs, loss of treatment efficiency, and permit violations. Using numerous tables and illustrations, this book provides microscopic and analytical techniques for troubleshooting and identifying the conditions responsible for settleability problems and loss of solids. It includes pictures of wet mounts and smears of acceptable and unacceptable microscopic conditions of the activated sludge and presents corrective measures for operational problems.

The Wastewater Microbiology Series tackles the critical topics of cost-effective operation, permit compliance, process control, and troubleshooting through a microbiological perspective. Volume II in the series, Settleability Problems and Loss of Solids in the Activated Sludge Process will prove to be of unparalleled value to wastewater treatment plant operators as well as students of wastewater microbiology.

Contents

1. Overview
   • The Activated Sludge Process.
   • Floc Formation.
   • A Floc Formation Model.
   • Interruption of Floc Formation.

2. Settleability Problems and Loss of Solids
   • Introduction.
   • Undesired Filamentous Growth.
   • Nutrient-Deficient Floc Particles.
   • Denitrification.
   • Sheared Floc Particles.
   • Dispersed Floc Particles.
   • Heavy Metals and Congealed Floc Particles.
   • Low Dissolved Oxygen Concentration.
   • Young Sludge Age.
   • Floc Particles Lost Through Sludge Aging.
   • Slug Discharge of Soluble cBOD.
   • Viscous Bulking or Zoogloeal Growth.
   • Increase in Percent MLVSS.
   • Colloidal Floc Particles.
   • Temperature.

3. Foam and Scum
   • Production and Accumulation of Foam and Scum.
   • Identification of Foam.
   • Controlling Foam Production and Accumulation.

4. Settleability Testing
   • Settleability Testing and Settling Rate.
   • Settleability Testing: Microscopic Analyses.

Appendix I: F/M, HRT, MCRT, MLVSS, Sludge Age, SVI
Appendix II: Microscopic Techniques

Abbreviations and Acronyms
Chemical Compounds and Elements
Glossary
Index

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