Total System Approach Correlated Solids Handling and Biomass With Overall Waste Plant Efficiency, 2000 Environmental Conference Proceedings

- J. A. Connors, B. Pineau, D. J. Saye -- A total system approach that correlates solids handling, biomass management, and mechanical operations with the overall efficiency of the waste plant can lead to significant efficiency improvements and cost reductions. The proliferation of specific microorganisms or groups of microorganisms in the aeration basins and clarifiers are frequently associated with bulking and foaming in secondary wastewater treatment systems and can be the result of unit process changes. Characterization of microbial populations and the identification of problematic microbes have been used to identify factors that contribute to system upsets and provide a rationale for appropriate corrective measures. The relationship between biomass and downstream operation has not typically been considered. Experience at two domestic paper mills has shown that the makeup of the microbial population in the aeration basin and secondary clarifier could be correlated to downstream operations, such as solids balance, dewatering, or wasting limitations.