Most Common Filamentous Bacteria in Wastewater Treatment – Quick Reference Table
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...
The role of Paracoccus sp. in wastewater treatment – performing a vital role in improving treatment efficiency
Wastewater treatment professionals are increasingly leveraging microbial community analysis to optimize plant performance. Among the diverse microbial genera present, Paracoccus stands out for its multifaceted contributions to nitrogen and sulfur cycling, as well...
What Causes Deflocculation in Biological Wastewater Treatment?
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...
The Nitrogen Cycle: A Guide to ANAMMOX, SND, and COMAMMOX
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 "Net Zero" and...
4 Biological Wastewater Treatment Myths Holding Your Plant Back
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...
Balancing Energy Savings and Biological Risks: Strategies for Low-Dissolved Oxygen Operation in Wastewater Treatment
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...
The Role of Energy Yield from Different Electron Acceptors in Wastewater Treatment
Biological wastewater treatment is fundamentally driven by microbial metabolism, where microorganisms transform pollutants into less harmful compounds. The efficiency and sustainability of these processes hinge on the selection and sequence of terminal electron...
The Cyanide Challenge: Managing Toxic Effluents in Industrial Wastewater
Cyanide is one of the most feared contaminants in the industrial world. Known primarily for its extreme toxicity to human and aquatic life, its presence in wastewater presents a significant technical and regulatory hurdle for plant operators. From mining to...
The Microbial Workforce: Why Active Management is the Lifeblood of Modern Wastewater Treatment
When most people think of a wastewater treatment plant, they picture heavy machinery, massive concrete tanks, and complex piping. But the most important "technology" on-site isn't made of steel—it’s alive. At its heart, wastewater treatment is a biological...
Role of Microbial Diversity in Biological Wastewater Treatment
A diverse community of bacteria, archaea, protozoa, and fungi acts as a living, dynamic ecosystem responsible for several critical purification processes: Organic Compound Degradation: Various microbial groups specialize in breaking down different organic compounds...