Description

Successful operation of the activated sludge process relies heavily on the ability to effectively separate mixed liquor into return activated sludge (RAS) and a high quality final effluent. Solids separation efficiency is dictated in large part by the relative population of floc-forming and filamentous microorganisms present in the activated sludge. During normal operation, mixed liquor will be composed primarily of floc-formers with relatively low levels of filamentous organisms. Some population of filamentous organisms is necessary to promote the formation of larger flocs and prevent development of a "pin-floc" condition, which often results in high effluent turbidities (Jenkins, 2004). However, when conditions favoring the growth of filaments over floc-formers occur, a condition commonly referred to as filamentous "bulking" may occur.