by Erik Rumbaugh | Dec 16, 2025 | Wastewater Monitoring, Wastewater Procedure, Wastewater Testing
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...
by Erik Rumbaugh | Aug 24, 2025 | Anaerobic digester, Biomass Optimization, Wastewater Testing, Wastewater Troubleshooting
Anaerobic digesters are marvels of sustainable technology, transforming organic waste—like manure, food scraps, and sewage—into renewable energy in the form of biogas while reducing greenhouse gas emissions. At their core, these systems rely on a complex community of...
by Erik Rumbaugh | Jul 27, 2025 | Uncategorized, Wastewater Microbiome, Wastewater Monitoring, Wastewater Testing
The Shannon Diversity Index (H’) is a widely used metric in ecology to quantify the biodiversity of a community. In the context of wastewater treatment, it measures the diversity and evenness of microbial species within the activated sludge biomass. This...
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 | May 8, 2025 | Wastewater Microbiome, Wastewater Monitoring, Wastewater Testing
Microbial communities play a crucial role in wastewater treatment, helping break down organic pollutants, remove nutrients, and support overall ecosystem health. When analyzing these environmental cultures, researchers use molecular tools like Next-Generation...
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...
