by Erik Rumbaugh | Feb 10, 2026 | Bioaugmentation, Biological Nutrient Removal, Wastewater Microbiome, Wastewater Organisms
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 as...
by Erik Rumbaugh | Oct 30, 2025 | Biofilms, Biological Nutrient Removal
Wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) are increasingly required to meet stringent inorganic nitrogen discharge limits, necessitating reliable year-round ammonia oxidation and denitrification. Integrating biofilm-based technologies, such as Moving Bed Biofilm Reactors...
by Erik Rumbaugh | Aug 12, 2025 | Biological Nutrient Removal, Filamentous Bulking
As the summer months continue, wastewater treatment plants face a surge in operational hurdles. Higher temperatures not only accelerate biological processes but also exacerbate issues like reduced oxygen levels and microbial imbalances. For operators, this means...
by Erik Rumbaugh | Jul 16, 2025 | Biological Nutrient Removal
Using large air bubbles to mix activated sludge in an anoxic zone while maintaining low redox (oxidation-reduction potential) is a strategy employed in wastewater treatment to achieve denitrification. Here’s a breakdown of why this approach is effective:...
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 | Jun 12, 2025 | Biological Nutrient Removal
Ammonia oxidation is a cornerstone of the global nitrogen cycle, traditionally attributed to a specialized group of chemoautotrophic bacteria. However, a fascinating and increasingly recognized process called heterotrophic nitrification is performed by a wide range of...
