STUDY GUIDE

ACTIVATED SLUDGE
INTRODUCTION

SUBCLASS C

WISCONSIN DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES

BUREAU OF SCIENCE SERVICES
OPERATOR CERTIFICATION PROGRAM

http://dnr.wi.gov/org/es/science/opcert/

NOVEMBER 1993 EDITION *

*Note – As of Jan 2010, this study guide contains objectives plus key knowledges.
 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Special appreciation is extended to the many individuals who

contributed to this effort.

Thomas A. Kroehn, Director of Office of Operations and

Maintenance, DNR.

Thomas P. Mickelson, Coordinator, Operator Certification and

Training, DNR.

Wastewater operators were represented by:

Nick Brown - Suamico S.D. Bruce Neerhof - Cleveland
Dave Carlson - Menasha West Paul Nehm - Madison
Bob Carey – Brillion Dale Neis - Dickeyville
Venard Cypher – Janesville Forrest Perry - Milton
Robert Demge - Port Washington Pat Rocheleau - Green Bay
Allen Eberhardt – Marshall Matt Schuh - Chilton
Richard Elmergreen – Seymour Mark Sullivan - Waterloo
Dean Falkner – Sheboygan Mike Strenski - DePere
Mike Geurts – Kiel Steve Tice - Clintonville
Philip Hoopman – Ripon Dennis Westhuis - Waupan
Charles Isham – Oshkosh Don Wydeven - Appleton
Richard Jones - Manitowoc
Mike Kersten - DePere
Bob Lamal - Green Bay
Francis Layde - Cuba City
John Lutz - Green Bay
Ron McCracken - DePere
W.Joseph Myers - Hudson

VTAE and educational interests were represented by:

Glen Smeaton, Environmental Education.

DNR district offices were represented by:

Roy Lembcke, Southern District, Fitchburg.

Tom Mugan, Southern District, Fitchburg.
Tom Tewes, Lake Michigan District, Green Bay.

DNR central office was represented by:

Lori Eckrich, Madison

Ron Wilhelm, Madison

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 PREFACE

This operator's study guide represents the results of an

ambitious program. Operators of wastewater facilities,
regulators, educators and local officials, jointly prepared the
objectives and exam questions for this subclass.

The objectives in this study guide have been organized into

modules, and within each module they are grouped by major
concepts.

NOTE: As of January 2010, this study guide also includes key

knowledges.

HOW TO USE THESE OBJECTIVES WITH REFERENCES

In preparation for the exams, you should:

1. Read all of the key knowledges for each objective.

2. Use the resources listed at the end of the study guide for
additional information.

3. Review all key knowledges until you fully understand them

and know them by memory.

IT IS ADVISABLE THAT THE OPERATOR TAKE CLASSROOM OR ONLINE

TRAINING IN THIS PROCESS BEFORE ATTEMPTING THE CERTIFICATION
EXAM.

Choosing A Test Date

Before you choose a test date, consider the training

opportunities available in your area. A listing of training
opportunities and exam dates is available on the DNR Operator
Certification home page http://dnr.wi.gov/org/es/science/opcert/
It can also be found in the annual DNR "Certified Operator" or by
contacting your DNR regional operator certification coordinator.

3
 TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page No.

Acknowledgements............................................ 2
Preface..................................................... 3
Table of Contents........................................... 4
Resources................................................... 29
MODULE A: PRINCIPLE, STRUCTURE AND FUNCTION

Concept: Principle of Activated Sludge..................... 5

Concept: Structure and Function............................ 7
MODULE B: OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE

Concept: Operation......................................... 8
Concept: Maintenance....................................... 13
MODULE C: MONITORING AND TROUBLESHOOTING

Concept: Monitoring........................................ 15
Concept: Troubleshooting................................... 19
MODULE D: SAFETY AND CALCULATIONS

Concept: Safety............................................ 22
Concept: Calculations...................................... 24

4
 INTRODUCTION TO ACTIVATED SLUDGE
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________

MODULE A: PRINCIPLE, STRUCTURE AND FUNCTION

__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________

CONCEPT: PRINCIPLE OF ACTIVATED SLUDGE

1. Describe the activated sludge process.

ACTIVATED SLUDGE IS A BIOLOGICAL PROCESS WHICH USES MILLIONS

OF MICROORGANISMS TO STABILIZE DISSOLVED AND PARTICULATE
ORGANIC MATTER FROM WASTEWATER. THESE ORGANISMS CONVERT THE
ORGANIC MATTER INTO CELL MASS WHICH IS REMOVED FROM THE
LIQUID BY GRAVITY SETTLING. A PORTION OF THE SETTLED
SLUDGE(ACTIVATED SLUDGE) IS RETURNED TO "SEED" THE IN-COMING
WASTEWATER WITH VIABLE ORGANISMS TO KEEP THE PROCESS GOING.
SINCE THE ORGANISMS ARE CONSTANTLY PRODUCING NEW CELL MASS,
IT IS NECESSARY TO "WASTE" SLUDGE TO KEEP THE SYSTEM IN
BALANCE.

2. Define the role microorganisms have in the activated sludge

process.
THE PRINCIPAL ROLE OF MICROORGANISMS IN THE ACTIVATED SLUDGE
PROCESS IS TO CONVERT DISSOLVED AND PARTICULATE ORGANIC
MATTER INTO CELL MASS. THE TERM MICROORGANISM COVERS MANY
AND VARIED TYPES OF ORGANISMS, RANGING FROM SINGLE CELL
BACTERIA TO MULTI-CELLED ANIMAL FORMS.

3. Explain the role of activated sludge in the total treatment

process.
THE ACTIVATED SLUDGE ROLE IN THE TOTAL TREATMENT PROCESS CAN
BE DEFINED AS THE BIOLOGICAL SECTION OF THE PLANT THAT
PROVIDES "SECONDARY" TREATMENT. IT IS A LIVING, BREATHING,
COMMUNITY OF ORGANISMS OPERATING IN A DISPERSED GROWTH
SYSTEM.

4. Identify and explain the meaning of the following:

A. F:M Ratio
B. MCRT
C. MLSS
D. SVI
E. WAS
F. RAS

5
 A. F:M RATIO(FOOD TO MICROORGANISM RATIO): THIS IS
EXPRESSED AS THE POUNDS OF INFLUENT BOD TO THE AERATION
BASIN, DIVIDED BY THE POUNDS OF MIXED LIQUOR SUSPENDED
SOLIDS IN THE BASIN.

B. MCRT(MEAN CELL RESIDENT TIME): SLUDGE AGE. THIS IS THE

AVERAGE TIME THAT A MICROORGANISM WILL SPEND IN THE
ACTIVATED SLUDGE PROCESS. THE DESIRED MCRT FOR
CONVENTIONAL OPERATIONS WILL FALL BETWEEN 4 AND 15
DAYS. THIS IS DETERMINED BY DIVIDING THE TOTAL
POUNDS OF MIXED LIQUOR SUSPENDED SOLIDS UNDER AERATION
BY THE NUMBER OF POUNDS OF SOLIDS WASTED PER DAY.

C. MLSS(MIXED LIQUOR SUSPENDED SOLIDS): THIS IS THE

SUSPENDED SOLIDS IN THE AERATION BASIN. IT CAN BE
EXPRESSED IN mg/L, OR CONVERTED TO POUNDS UNDER
AERATION IF THE VOLUME OF THE AERATION BASIN IS KNOWN.

D. SVI(SLUDGE VOLUME INDEX): THIS IS DEFINED AS THE

MILLILITERS OF SLUDGE FROM THE 30-MINUTE SETTLING TEST,
TIMES 1000, DIVIDED BY THE CONCENTRATION OF MIXED
LIQUOR SUSPENDED SOLIDS (IN mg/L). THIS IS USED AS AN
INDICATOR OF SETTLING TRENDS.

E. WAS(WASTE ACTIVATED SLUDGE): THIS IS THE EXCESS

SUSPENDED SOLIDS REMOVED FROM THE ACTIVATED SLUDGE
PROCESS. IT CAN BE EXPRESSED AS A CONCENTRATION IN
mg/L, OR BE CONVERTED TO POUNDS PER DAY IF THE FLOW
RATE IS KNOWN.

F. RAS(RETURN ACTIVATED SLUDGE): THIS IS THE SUSPENDED

SOLIDS RECYCLED FROM THE FINAL CLARIFIER TO THE
AERATION BASIN. IT CAN BE EXPRESSED AS A CONCENTRATION
IN mg/L, OR CAN BE CONVERTED TO POUNDS PER DAY IF THE
FLOW RATE IS KNOWN.

5. Define nitrification and denitrification.

NITRIFICATION: IS THE BIOLOGICAL CONVERSION OF AMMONIA TO

NITRATE. IT IS ACCOMPLISHED BY NITRIFYING BACTERIA THAT
REQUIRE SUFFICIENT DISSOLVED OXYGEN AND DETENTION TIME TO
COMPLETE THE TASK. THIS PROCESS OCCURS BEST AT A pH OF ABOUT
8.4.

DENITRIFICATION: IS THE BIOLOGICAL CONVERSION OF NITRATE

TO FREE NITROGEN. IT IS ACCOMPLISHED BY SPECIAL BACTERIA THAT
OPERATE IN ANAEROBIC CONDITIONS AND STRIP THE COMBINED OXYGEN
FROM THE NITRATE MOLECULE. THIS PROCESS MAY OCCUR IN THE
FINAL CLARIFIER UNDER ANAEROBIC CONDITIONS.

6
CONCEPT: STRUCTURE AND FUNCTION

6. Diagram and identify the main components of the following

modes of operation:

A. Conventional(Plug Flow).
B. Step Feed.
C. Contact Stabilization.
D. Complete Mix.
E. Extended Aeration(Oxidation Ditch).
A. CONVENTIONAL PROCESS(PLUG FLOW):

PRIMARY CLARIFIER FINAL CLARIFIER

(PC) (FC)

----------------
---> --------> AERATION BASIN ----------> ---->
----------------

---------------------------------------->
RETURN ACTIVATED SLUDGE WASTE
(RAS) ACTIVATED
SLUDGE
(WAS)

B. STEP FEED:

-------------------

-----------------
----> ----- --> AERATION BASIN ---------> ---->
-----------------

------------------------------------------>
(RAS) (WAS)

C. CONTACT STABILIZATION:

-----> ----------------------

------------------- ----------
----> REAERATION BASIN ---> CONTACT -----> --->
------------------- ----------

------------------------------------------------------>

(RAS) (WAS)
7
 D. COMPLETE MIX:

-----------
-
-
-----> ------> AERATION ----------------> ----->
- BASIN
-
-----------

---------------------------------------------->
(RAS) (WAS)

E. EXTENDED AERATION(OXIDATION DITCH):

---------> AERATION BASIN --------> ----->

---------------------------------------------------->
(RAS) (WAS)

7. List the main controls an operator has over the activated

sludge process.
A. AERATION - THIS IS THE HEART OF THE PROCESS. IT
PROVIDES OXYGEN TO THE MICROORGANISMS.

B. MIXING - MIXING BRINGS THE MICROORGANISMS IN CONTACT

WITH THE FOOD.

C. RETURN ACTIVATED SLUDGE (RAS) - BRINGS THE

MICROORGANISMS IN CONTACT WITH THE FOOD AND MAINTAINS
PROPER CONCENTRATION OF SOLIDS IN AERATION.

D. WASTE ACTIVATED SLUDGE (WAS) - USED TO MAINTAIN A

CONSTANT BIOLOGICAL LEVEL IN THE ACTIVATED SLUDGE
SYSTEM BY RIDDING THE SYSTEM OF EXTRA SLUDGE GENERATED
BY THE REPRODUCTION OF THE MICROOGRANISMS.

__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________

MODULE B: OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE

__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________

CONCEPT: OPERATION

8. Explain why the activated sludge process requires a great

deal of operator control.

8
 SINCE THE ACTIVATED SLUDGE PROCESS CONSISTS OF LIVING
ORGANISMS, IT REQUIRES OPERATOR ATTENTION TO ENSURE THAT
THERE IS A CONTINUOUS SUITABLE ENVIRONMENT FOR THE
MICROORGANISMS.

9. List two purposes for aeration.

A. IT PROVIDES OXYGEN TO THE MICROORGANISMS.

B. IT PROVIDES MIXING BY BRINGING THE MICROORGANISMS IN
CONTACT WITH FOOD(INFLUENT WASTEWATER).

10. List the important conditions necessary for the best

bacterial growth in aeration basins.
A. THE pH SHOULD RANGE BETWEEN 6.8 AND 7.4.
B. THE TEMPERATURE SHOULD BE ABOUT 60oF.
C. THERE SHOULD BE NO ORGANIC "SHOCK" LOADINGS.
D. THE DISSOLVED OXYGEN RANGE SHOULD BE 1-2 mg/L.
E. THERE SHOULD BE GOOD MIXING.
F. THERE SHOULD BE NO TOXIC "SHOCK" LOADINGS.
G. THERE SHOULD BE A PROPER NUTRIENT BALANCE.

11. Describe the conditions that favor the formation of filaments

in the activated sludge process.
THE BIGGEST CAUSE OF FILAMENT FORMATION IN ACTIVATED SLUDGE
IS INADEQUATE DISSOLVED OXYGEN (DO) IN THE AERATION BASIN.
THIS COULD BE CAUSED BY AN INSUFFICIENT AIR SUPPLY SYSTEM OR
AN ORGANIC OVERLOAD(HIGH F:M). FILAMENTS CAN SURVIVE AT
LOWER DO LEVELS THAN MORE BENEFICIAL ORGANISMS, AND CAN
BECOME SO ABUNDANT THAT SETTLING IS AFFECTED. FILAMENTS CAN
ALSO BE CAUSED BY A NUTRIENT IMBALANCE.

12. State the normal range, at the end of the aeration basin, for
dissolved oxygen at a plant with conventional(plug flow)
systems.
1.0 - 3.0 mg/L.

13. List the methods of controlling dissolved oxygen levels in

Diffused Air and Mechanical Aeration systems.
A. BY CONTROLLING THE AIR HEADER VALVES.
B. BY INCREASING OR DECREASING THE BLOWER OUTPUT.
C. BY INCREASING OR DECREASING THE NUMBER OF BLOWERS.
D. BY INCREASING OR DECREASING THE AERATOR SPEED.
E. BY CLEANING THE DIFFUSERS.
F. BY CONTROLLING THE MIXED LIQUOR SUSPENDED SOLIDS(MLSS)
LEVEL.
G. BY CLEANING THE BLOWER INLET FILTERS.
H. BY CONTROLLING PLANT SIDESTREAMS.

9
14. Explain how an operator can adjust oxygen levels and mixing
in an oxidation ditch(extended aeration).
INCREASE THE ROTATION SPEED AND SUBMERGE THE ROTOR.

15. Describe the characteristics of normal activated sludge.

THE COLOR OF A NORMAL ACTIVATED SLUDGE WOULD BE BROWN TO
GOLDEN BROWN. IT WOULD HAVE A MUSTY ODOR. DURING A NORMAL
30-MINUTE SETTLING TEST, THE SETTLED SLUDGE VOLUME WOULD BE
ABOUT 30%, WITH AN SVI OF 90-150. THE SUPERNATANT WOULD BE
CLEAR WITH LITTLE OR NO FLOC PARTICLES. SLUDGE AGE FOR
CONVENTIONAL SYSTEMS WOULD BE 6 TO 10 DAYS.

16. Describe the characteristics of an anaerobic activated

sludge.
THE COLOR OF AN ANAEROBIC SLUDGE WOULD BE DARK BROWN TO
BLACK. IT WOULD HAVE A SEPTIC ODOR. IT WOULD SETTLE POORLY,
WITH FLOATING CLUMPS. THE SVI WOULD BE HIGH, AND COULD BE
CAUSED BY UNDER-AERATION, OR BY NOT REMOVING SLUDGE FAST
ENOUGH FROM THE FINAL CLARIFIER.

17. Describe the characteristics of bulking activated sludge.

BULKING SLUDGE CAN INCLUDE YOUNG SLUDGE, EXCESSIVE SOLIDS
INVENTORY, OR THE PRESENCE OF FILAMENTOUS ORGANISMS CAUSING
POOR SETTLING. THE COLOR OF FILAMENTOUS BULKING SLUDGE CAN
RANGE FROM LIGHT BROWN TO GRAY. IT WOULD HAVE AN SVI IN
EXCESS OF 200. THIS SLUDGE SETTLES VERY SLOWLY AND HAS A
CLEAR SUPERNATANT. CLARIFIER BLANKETS WILL BE UNUSUALLY HIGH.
CONFIRMATION OF FILAMENTS WOULD BE BY MICROSCOPIC EXAMINATION
OF THE ACTIVATED SLUDGE FLOC. SOMETIMES, EXCESSIVE SOLIDS
INVENTORY IS CONFUSED WITH BULKING ACTIVATED SLUDGE. BOTH MAY
HAVE A HIGH FINAL CLARIFIER SLUDGE BLANKET AND EVEN LOSS OF
SOLIDS OVER THE WEIR. EXCESSIVE INVENTORY CAN BE CONFIRMED
IF THE SLUDGE SETTLES WELL; THE SVI IS IN THE 90-150 RANGE;
AND, LITTLE OR NO FILAMENTS ARE PRESENT UNDER MICROSCOPIC
EXAMINATION.

18. Describe the characteristics of a rising activated sludge.

THE MOST COMMON CAUSE OF RISING SLUDGE IN THE FINAL CLARIFIER

WOULD BE DENITRIFICATION. THE SLUDGE HAS THE APPEARANCE OF
NORMAL ACTIVATED SLUDGE AND SETTLES WELL. IF LEFT IN THE
SETTLING CONTAINER AFTER THE 30-MINUTE TEST, SOME SLUDGE WILL
FLOAT TO THE SURFACE. THIS IS CAUSED BY GAS BUBBLES FROM
DENITRIFICATION, MAKING THE SLUDGE LIGHTER THAN WATER. THIS
CAN BE CONFIRMED BY RUNNING THE NITROGEN LABORATORY SERIES
(AMMONIA,NITRITE AND NITRATE) TO SEE IF THE PLANT IS
NITRIFYING.

10
19. Explain how solids are generated in an aeration basin, and
the consequences to the operation if excess solids are not
removed.
SOLIDS ARE GENERATED BY THE MICROORGANISM GROWTH RATE AND
CELL DIVISION. IF EXCESS SOLIDS ARE NOT REMOVED FROM THE
SYSTEM THERE WOULD BE MORE MICROORGANISMS THAN FOOD. THE
EXTRA MICROORGANISMS WOULD EVENTUALLY LEAVE THE SYSTEM IN THE
PLANT EFFLUENT.

20. Discuss the characteristics of young and old sludge.

YOUNG SLUDGE: THE AERATION BASIN WOULD HAVE BILLOWING WHITE

FOAM AND THIN APPEARING MIXED LIQUOR. THE FINAL CLARIFIER
WOULD HAVE POOR SETTLING, LOW DISSOLVED OXYGEN, WITH
STRAGGLER FLOC (ACTIVATED SLUDGE PARTICLES IN THE EFFLUENT).
SLUDGE AGE WOULD BE LESS THAN FOUR DAYS, UNDEROXIDIZED, WITH
A HIGH F:M RATIO. FILAMENTOUS BULKING CAN OCCUR.

OLD SLUDGE: THE AERATION BASIN WOULD HAVE A LEATHERY

APPEARANCE WITH GREASY LOOKING BUBBLES. FINAL CLARIFIER
SETTLING WOULD BE RAPID, BUT PIN FLOC (SMALL SUSPENDED SLUDGE
PARTICLES) WOULD BE PRESENT IN THE STRAW COLORED EFFLUENT.
SLUDGE AGE WOULD BE MORE THAN TWELVE DAYS, WITH A LOW F:M
RATIO. THE SYSTEM WOULD BE OPERATING IN THE ENDOGENOUS
RESPIRATION RANGE.

21. Discuss the operational changes necessary if it is determined

that a plant has "young" sludge.
TO CORRECT FOR "YOUNG" SLUDGE, IT IS NECESSARY TO STOP ALL
WASTING OF ACTIVATED SLUDGE AND RETURN IT TO THE AERATION
BASIN. THIS WILL INCREASE THE SOLIDS UNDER AERATION, REDUCE
THE F:M RATIO, AND INCREASE THE EFFECTIVE SLUDGE AGE.

22. Discuss the operational changes necessary if it is determined

that a plant has "old" sludge.
TO CORRECT FOR "OLD" SLUDGE, IT IS NECESSARY TO WASTE MORE
ACTIVATED SLUDGE. THIS WILL REDUCE THE SOLIDS UNDER AERATION,
INCREASE THE F:M RATIO, AND REDUCE THE EFFECTIVE SLUDGE AGE.

23. Describe the problems caused by hydraulic overloads in the

activated sludge process.
WHEN HYDRAULIC OVERLOADS OCCUR IN THE ACTIVATED SLUDGE
PROCESS THE FINAL CLARIFIER HYDRAULIC DESIGN MAY BE EXCEEDED.
SINCE THE ACTIVATED SLUDGE FLOC HAS A DENSITY CLOSE TO WATER,
THE HIGH FLOWS CAN CAUSE EXCESSIVE TURBULENCE IN THE
CLARIFIER. TURBULENCE WOULD CAUSE ACTIVATED SLUDGE TO BE
WASHED OUT AND OVER THE WEIRS.

11
24. State the various control ranges used to determine how much
sludge to waste in a conventional(plug flow) activated sludge
plant for the following:

A. F:M
B. Sludge Age
C. Constant MLSS
A. F:M - THE NORMAL RANGE IS 0.2 TO 0.4 (COULD RUN FROM
0.1 TO 0.5). THE WASTING RATE MUST BE INCREASED IF F:M
RATIO IS LOW (LESS THAN 0.2), AND MUST BE DECREASED IF
TOO HIGH (MORE THAN 0.4).

B. SLUDGE AGE - THE NORMAL RANGE IS 6 TO 10 DAYS (COULD

RUN AS LOW AS 3 DAYS). INCREASE OR DECREASE THE WASTING
RATE TO ARRIVE AT THE SLUDGE AGE DESIRED.

C. CONSTANT MLSS - THE NORMAL RANGE IS 1800 mg/L TO 2500

mg/L (COULD RUN FROM 1000 TO 3000 mg/L). INCREASE OR
DECREASE THE WASTING TO ARRIVE AT AN MLSS CONCENTRATION
DESIRED IN THE AERATION BASIN. THIS IS A SIMPLE MEANS
OF CONTROL, BUT DOES NOT ACCOUNT FOR FLUCTUATION IN
LOADINGS.

25. Describe the affect of waste activated sludge concentration

on desired wasting rates.
THE LESS CONCENTRATED THE WASTE ACTIVATED SLUDGE, THE MORE
VOLUME THAT NEEDS TO BE REMOVED(WASTED).

26. List the items to consider in determining sludge return

rates.
A. THE PROCESS DESIGN.
B. THE TREATMENT MODE BEING USED.
C. THE INFLUENT FLOW.
D. THE INFLUENT LOADINGS.
E. THE AERATION BASIN TEMPERATURE.
F. THE CONCENTRATION OF SOLIDS IN THE RETURN SLUDGE.
G. THE SETTLABILITY OF SOLIDS ENTERING THE FINAL
CLARIFIER.

NOTE: RETURN SLUDGE FLOW RATES WOULD NORMALLY VARY BETWEEN

10% TO 50% OF THE INFLUENT FLOW RATE AND WOULD BE
DIRECTLY PROPORTIONAL TO THE CONCENTRATION OF THE
RETURN SLUDGE.

27. Discuss the affects of temperature on the nitrification and

denitrification process.
OPTIMAL TEMPERATURE FOR NITRIFICATION OCCURS BETWEEN ABOUT
60o AND 90oF. THE GROWTH RATE OF NITRIFYING BACTERIA
INCREASES AS THE TEMPERATURE INCREASES AND DECREASES AS THE
TEMPERATURE DECREASES. THE ANAEROBES CAUSING DENITRIFICATION
12
 ARE ALSO TEMPERATURE DEDEPENDENT, THOUGH NOT AS CRITICAL AS
THE NITRIFIERS.

28. List the methods for preventing denitrification in the

secondary clarifier.
A. REDUCE THE SLUDGE BLANKETS IN THE FINAL CLARIFIERS.
B. REDUCE THE AIR DELIVERY TO THE AERATION BASIN TO
INHIBIT NITRIFICATION.
C. REDUCE THE SLUDGE AGE TO INHIBIT NITRIFICATION.
D. MAINTAIN ENOUGH DISSOLVED OXYGEN IN THE AERATION BASINS
TO PREVENT ANAEROBIC CONDITIONS IN THE SECONDARY
CLARIFIER.

CONCEPT: MAINTENANCE

29. List the maintenance considerations for the following:

A. Centrifugal Blowers.
B. Positive Displacement Blowers.
C. Diffusers.
A. CENTRIFUGAL BLOWERS:
1. LUBRICATION.
2. CHECK PRESSURES( INTAKE & DISCHARGE ).
3. CLEAN FILTERS.
4. CHECK DRIVE BELTS AND COUPLINGS.

B. POSITIVE DISPLACEMENT BLOWERS:

1. LUBRICATION.
2. CHECK INLET SUCTION & DISCHARGE PRESSURE.
3. CHECK DRIVE BELTS AND COUPLINGS.
4. CHECK PRESSURE RELIEF VALVE.
5. CHECK MOTOR AMPERAGE.
6. CLEAN AIR FILTERS.

C. DIFFUSERS:

1. CHECK SURFACE AERATION PATTERNS.

2. CHECK AIR LINE PRESSURE READING.
3. CHECK FOR UNEQUAL AERATION PATTERNS.
4. CLEAN OR REPLACE AS NECESSARY.

30. Explain why it is important to check for frost obstruction

during winter months of blower air intakes, especially with
positive displacement blowers.
IF THE FILTERS ARE BLOCKED WITH SNOW OR FROST, A NEGATIVE
PRESSURE ON THE SUCTION SIDE COULD CAUSE DAMAGE TO THE
FILTERS, COMPRESSOR, OR DRIVE MOTOR.
13
31. List the items to include in blower maintenance records.
A. PRESSURE CHECKS.
B. VACUUM CHECKS.
C. AMPERAGE DRAW.
D. THE DATES ROUTINE PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE WAS PERFORMED;
BELT CONDITION, ALIGNMENT, LUBRICATION, VIBRATION,
BEARING TEMPERATURES, ETC.

32. List the maintenance considerations for brush and paddle

aerators used in oxidation ditches.
A. BEARINGS(LUBRICATION).
B. BELTS OR CHAIN DRIVE.
C. SHAFT LUBRICATION.
D. DRIVE MOTOR OPERATIONS.

33. List two conditions an operator should be aware of prior to

emptying an aeration basin.
A. IF HIGH GROUNDWATER LEVELS ARE PRESENT AND THE AIR
RELIEF VALVE DOES NOT WORK, THE TANK COULD "FLOAT."

B. IF THE TREATMENT PLANT IS A "PACKAGE" TYPE PLANT, BE

SURE THAT THE STEEL WALLS ARE CAPABLE OF HOLDING THE
HYDROSTATIC PRESSURE AND WILL NOT BUCKLE.

34. List the items to include in a maintenance inspection of

final clarifiers.
A. CHECK GEAR OIL AND DRIVE SYSTEM - BELT, CHAIN, AND
GEARS.
B. CHECK RUBBER PARTS - SCUM COLLECTION PARTS.
C. CHECK TANK CONDITION - CRACKS, PRESSURE RELIEF VALVE,
ETC.
D. INSPECT THE WEIRS - WITH AND WITHOUT FLOW.

35. Describe how to determine if the clarifier weirs are level.

USE A TRANSIT, A LEVEL, OR SURFACE WATER LEVEL IN THE

CLARIFIER. UNEVEN FLOWS OVER THE WEIRS IS A CAUSE OF SHORT
CIRCUITING.

36. List what to look for when inspecting clarifier weirs.

A. EVEN FLOW (LEVEL).

B. ALGAE OR DEBRIS PLUGGING V-NOTCHES (SHORT CIRCUITING).
C. CONDITION OF SURFACE COATINGS.

14
_________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________

MODULE C: MONITORING AND TROUBLESHOOTING

__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________

CONCEPT: MONITORING

37. Explain how to determine the level of magnification of a

laboratory microscope.
TO DETERMINE THE LEVEL OF MAGNIFICATION, MULTIPLY THE
MAGNIFICATION POWER OF THE EYE PIECE TIMES THE MAGNIFICATION
POWER OF THE OBJECTIVE. MOST EYE PIECES ARE 10 POWER (10X)
AND OBJECTIVE LENSES RANGE FROM 5X TO 40X.

38. Explain why it is better to start with a low power ( 5X or

10X objectives ) microscope setting before moving to a higher
power.
IT IS EASIER TO FIND, FOCUS, AND LOCATE ORGANISMS ON LOW
POWER.

39. Explain the results of too much, or too little, light through
a microscope slide sample.
TOO MUCH LIGHT WILL WASH OUT DETAILS BY SHINING THROUGH THE
ORGANISMS. TOO LITTLE LIGHT WILL CAUSE ORGANISMS TO APPEAR TO
BE IN THE DARK.

40. Describe how to get a sample and cover slip on a microscope

slide.
PUT A DROP OF WELL MIXED SAMPLE ON THE SLIDE. SLIDE THE EDGE
OF THE COVER SLIP ON THE EDGE OF THE SAMPLE DROP. LOWER THE
COVER SLIP SLOWLY, ALLOWING AIR TO ESCAPE SO NO BUBBLES ARE
PRESENT.

41. Discuss how to use a mechanical stage on a microscope.

ONE ADJUSTMENT MOVES THE SLIDE UP AND DOWN. THE OTHER MOVES
THE SLIDE BACK AND FORTH. SLIDE MOTION WILL APPEAR IN REVERSE
DIRECTION WHEN OBSERVED THROUGH THE MICROSCOPE.

NOTE: MOST MECHANICAL STAGES HAVE X AND Y AXES INDICATORS TO

HELP IDENTIFY POSITION ON THE SLIDE AND TO HELP
RELOCATE ORGANISMS WHOSE POSITIONS HAVE BEEN RECORDED.

15
42. Identify the following:

A. Free Swimming Ciliate.

B. Grazing Ciliate.
C. Single Stalked Ciliate.
D. Community Stalked Ciliate.
E. Sarcodina.
F. Rotifer.
G. Filamentous Organism
H. Zoo Flagellates.

43. Identify the common microorganisms associated with the

following conditions:

A. Young sludge (0-5 days).

B. Sludge (8 to 10).
C. Old sludge (20-50 days).
A. YOUNG SLUDGE: FREE SWIMMING CILIATES. SOME GRAZING
CILIATES. LIGHT FLUFFY FLOC. ORGANISMS WILL GENERALLY
BE SMALLER IN SIZE AND HAVE RELATIVE GREATER MOTION.

B. SLUDGE IN 8-10 DAY RANGE: FLOC WELL DEVELOPED. MORE

BROWN IN COLOR THAN GOLDEN. SINGLE STALKED CILIATES TO
COMMUNITY STALKED. MAY SEE OCCASIONAL ROTIFERS.

C. OLD SLUDGE: SLUDGE FLOC GRANULAR AND DARK IN COLOR.

ROTIFERS AND NEMATODES VERY COMMON.

44. Explain the importance of the following equipment in running

an activated sludge plant:

A. A Dissolved Oxygen Meter with Field Probe.

B. A Thousand Milliliter Beaker or Settlometer.
C. A Sludge Blanket Finder.
D. A Microscope.
A. DISSOLVED OXYGEN METER WITH FIELD PROBE: USED TO MONITOR
AERATION BASIN DISSOLVED OXYGEN LEVELS. ALSO USED TO
MONITOR THE CLARIFIER TANK DISSOLVED OXYGEN LEVELS TO
ENSURE ADEQUATE DISSOLVED OXYGEN LEVELS FOR HEALTHLY
ACTIVATED SLUDGE.

B. A THOUSAND MILLILITER BEAKER OR A SETTLOMETER: SED TO

MONITOR 30-MINUTE SLUDGE SETTLING CHARACTERISTICS.

C. A SLUDGE BLANKET FINDER: USED TO MEASURE THE SOLIDS

BLANKET LEVEL IN FINAL CARIFIER. A HIGH BLANKET CAN
RESULT IN SOLIDS IN THE EFFLUENT, SEPTIC CONDITIONS, OR
MECHANICAL SLUDGE REMOVAL PROBLEMS.

D. A MICROSCOPE: USED TO EXAMINE MICROORGANISM POPULATION

AND DETERMINE THE RELATIVE HEALTH OF THE SYSTEM.

16
45. Describe the visual observations an operator can make to
support laboratory data indicating the following conditions:

A. Bulking Sludge (Filamentous Bulking).

B. Too Many Solids in System.
C. Nocadial Filaments Present.
D. Return Rates Too Low.
E. Return Rates Too High.
A. BULKING SLUDGE: A CLEAR SUPERNATANT OVER LIGHT BROWN,
GRAY, OR WHITE SLUDGE. SLUDGE BLANKET IN THE CLARIFIER
NEAR THE SURFACE. CONFIRMATION BY MICROSCOPIC
EXAMINATION.

B. TOO MANY SOLIDS IN SYSTEM: HIGH CLARIFIER BLANKETS,

OFTEN WITH SOLIDS GOING OVER THE WEIRS.

C. NOCARDIAL FILAMENTS PRESENT: THICK, SCUMMY, DARK TAN

FOAM ON AERATION BASINS AND POSSIBLY ON FINAL
CLARIFIERS.

D. RETURN RATES TOO LOW: SLUDGE BLANKET BUILD-UP IN THE

FINAL CLARIFIERS, AND THIN MIXED LIQUOR.

E. RETURN RATES TOO HIGH: NO SLUDGE BLANKET IN THE FINAL

CLARIFIERS, AND THIN RETURN ACTIVATED SLUDGE.

46. List three devices used for measuring the depth of sludge in
a secondary clarifier.
A. CLEAR CORE SAMPLER(SLUDGE JUDGE).
B. PHOTOELECTRIC CELL.
C. AIR LIFT TUBES.

47. Identify the sample collection locations for the following

tests:

A. Mixed Liquor Suspended Solids Test.

B. Sludge Settlability Test.
C. Dissolved Oxygen Test.
D. Waste Activated Sludge Concentration Test.
E. Return Activated Sludge Settlability Test.
A. MIXED LIQUOR SUSPENDED SOLIDS: AERATION BASIN
REPRESENTATIVE SAMPLE FROM SEVERAL LOCATIONS.

B. SLUDGE SETTLABILITY TEST: AERATION BASIN OVERFLOW TO THE

CLARIFIER.

C. DISSOLVED OXYGEN TEST: THROUGHOUT THE AERATION BASIN,

AND ANY LOCATION IN THE SYSTEM SUSPECTED OF HAVING
PROBLEMS.

17
 D. WASTE ACTIVATED SLUDGE CONCENTRATION: FROM WASTE PUMP
OR WASTING SYSTEM.

E. RETURN ACTIVATED SLUDGE SETTLABILITY: FROM THE RETURN

ACTIVATED SLUDGE LINE.

48. Describe and illustrate a simple technique to prevent air

bubbles from striking the membrane of a field Dissolved
Oxygen Probe.
INVERT THE PROBE SO THE MEMBRANE IS POINTED UP AND AWAY FROM
AIR BUBBLES. ATTACH PROBE TO CABLE SO MEMBRANE POINTS UPWARD.

ILLUSTRATE:

MEMBRANE

TAPE OR RUBBER BAND

FIELD PROBE

FIELD PROBE CABLE

LARGE LOOP TO PREVENT KINKING

CABLE

49. Describe the procedures for determining sludge settlability.

USE A SETTLOMETER, OR A 1000 ML GRADUATED CYLINDER. FILL
WITH A WELL MIXED SAMPLE TAKEN FROM THE OUTLET OF THE
AERATION BASIN AND ALLOW TO SETTLE. READINGS CAN BE TAKEN AT
5-MINUTE INTERVALS AND GRAPHED, OR A SINGLE READING CAN BE
TAKEN AFTER 30 OR 60 MINUTES.

50. Explain the use of dilution in the normal 30-minute mixed

liquor settling test.
IF THE 30-MINUTE SETTLING TEST INDICATES POOR SETTLING, A
BULKING SLUDGE IS SUSPECTED. THE TWO POSSIBLE CAUSES WOULD
BE:
A. EXCESSIVE SOLIDS CONCENTRATION, OR UNDER-OXIDIZED YOUNG
SLUDGE.

B. A LARGE CONCENTRATION OF FILAMENTOUS ORGANISMS.

IF THE MIXED LIQUOR SAMPLE IS DILUTED 50% WITH TAP WATER, AND
THE RESULTING SETTLING TEST INDICATES THE SAME SETTLING RATE
AND SETTLES TO ABOUT THE SAME VOLUME IN 30-MINUTES, THE CAUSE
OF THE POOR SETTLING IS FILAMENTOUS ORGANISMS. IF THE DILUTED
SAMPLE SETTLES TO ABOUT HALF ITS ORIGINAL VOLUME, THE BULKING
SLUDGE IS NOT RELATED TO FILAMENTOUS ORGANISMS.
CONSIDERATION MUST BE GIVEN TO WASTING MORE SLUDGE TO REDUCE
AN EXCESSIVE SLUDGE INVENTORY.
18
CONCEPT: TROUBLESHOOTING

51. Discuss corrective actions that can be taken to control

filamenteous bulking.
THE MOST IMPORTANT CORRECTIVE ACTION IS TO ENSURE THAT THE
AERATION BASIN HAS ADEQUATE DISSOLVED OXYGEN AND THAT THE F:M
RATIO IS WITHIN THE NORMAL RANGE FOR THE OPERATIONAL MODE OF
THE PLANT. IF ORGANIC OVERLOADS ARE OCCURRING, SOME FORM OF
EQUALIZATION OR PRETREATMENT SHOULD BE INSTITUTED. IF THE
CAUSE OF THE FILAMENTOUS GROWTH IS NUTRIENT IMBALANCE,
CORRECTION WOULD BE BY THE ADDITION OF THE DEFICIENT
NUTRIENT.

SHORT TERM TEMPORARY CORRECTIVE ACTION WOULD INCLUDE ADDING

CHLORINE TO THE RETURN ACTIVATED SLUDGE TO ACHIEVE A
CONCENTRATION OF 10-20 mg/L, OR APPLY CHLORINE AT A RATE OF
2-4 POUNDS PER 1000 POUNDS OF MIXED LIQUOR VOLATILE SUSPENDED
SOLIDS. HYDROGEN PEROXIDE CAN BE USED TO CONTROL FILAMENTS BY
TREATING THE RETURN ACTIVATED SLUDGE.

52. Discuss the operational changes necessary when it is

determined that an activated sludge plant has rising sludge
due to denitrification.
TO CORRECT FOR RISING SLUDGE CAUSED BY DENITRIFICATION IT IS
NECESSARY TO MINIMIZE THE AMOUNT OF TIME THAT SLUDGE IS IN
THE FINAL CLARIFIER. THIS CAN BE DONE BY INCREASING THE
RETURN SLUDGE PUMPING RATE AND BY KEEPING THE FINAL CLARIFIER
BLANKET AS LOW AS POSSIBLE. IF NITRIFICATION IS NOT REQUIRED
TO MEET AMMONIA LIMITS, AND IT IS OCCURRING AND CAUSING
RISING SLUDGE PROBLEMS, THE PLANT OPERATIONS MAY BE MODIFIED
TO ELIMINATE NITRIFICATION OR PARTIAL NITRIFICATION. TO STOP
NITRIFICATION, THE SLUDGE AGE SHOULD BE REDUCED, AND THE
DISSOLVED OXYGEN LEVEL LOWERED. THIS MAY ALSO BE ACHIEVED BY
REMOVING AERATION BASINS FROM SERVICE TO ATTAIN REDUCED
SLUDGE AGE.

53. Describe the affects of an organic overload, and what

corrective actions should be taken.
THE MICROORGANISMS IN THE ACTIVATED SLUDGE PROCESS ARE
EXTREMELY SENSITIVE TO MAJOR CHANGES IN THEIR FOOD SOURCE.
ORGANIC OVERLOADS CAN CAUSE PLANT UPSETS.
WHEN AN ORGANIC OVERLOAD OCCURS, THERE WOULD BE INSUFFICIENT
ORGANISMS TO HANDLE THE OVERLOAD, RESULTING IN POOR
ASSIMILATION OF THE FOOD WITH METABOLISM CONTINUING IN THE
FINAL CLARIFIER. SINCE THE SITUATION CAUSES AN IMMEDIATE
INCREASE IN THE F:M RATIO, IT IS NECESSARY TO INCREASE THE
RETURN RATE, DECREASE OR STOP WASTING, AND INCREASE THE
AMOUNT OF AIR TO THE AERATION BASIN. THIS TYPE OF PROBLEM IS
19
 USUALLY CAUSED BY AN INDUSTRIAL DISCHARGER. FUTURE
CORRECTIONS SHOULD BE MADE TO PROVIDE FOR FLOW
EQUALIZATION OR PRETREATMENT TO ELIMINATE THIS TYPE OF
OVERLOAD.

54. Describe the affects of a toxic discharge, and what

corrective actions should be taken.
A TOXIC DISCHARGE CAN CAUSE A SHARP REDUCTION IN HEALTHY
MICROORGANISMS, OR EVEN A COMPLETE BIOLOGICAL KILL(THIS MAY
BE INDICATED BY A RAPID RISE IN AERATION BASIN DISSOLVED
OXYGEN). IF IT CAN BE DETERMINED IN ADVANCE THAT A TOXIC
DISCHARGE IS COMING, THE AERATION BASIN SHOULD BE BY-PASSED,
AND THE RETURN ACTIVATED SLUDGE DISCONTINUED UNTIL THE TOXIC
FLOW HAS PASSED THROUGH THE PLANT. THIS WILL PROTECT A VIABLE
POPULATION OF ORGANISMS IN THE AERATION BASIN AND ALLOW FOR
IMMEDIATE RESUMPTION OF PLANT OPERATIONS. SINCE TOXIC
DISCHARGES ARE USUALLY CAUSED BY AN INDUSTRIAL SOURCE, FUTURE
CORRECTIONS SHOULD INCLUDE DETERMINING THE EXACT CAUSE AND
LOCATION OF THE DISCHARGE TO ENSURE THAT IT WILL NOT OCCUR
AGAIN.

55. Explain the possible affects on an activated sludge process

with the following sidestreams:

A. Return stream from a thickener that is high in solids.

B. Decanting of an overloaded aerobic digester.
C. Anaerobic digester supernatant high in solids and BOD.
D. Poorly operating mechanical sludge dewatering
equipment.
ALL OF THE FOLLOWING SIDESTREAMS CAN CAUSE ORGANIC
OVERLOADING OF THE SECONDARY PROCESS:

A. RETURN STREAM FROM A THICKENER THAT IS HIGH IN SOLIDS:

THIS COULD INCREASE THE AMOUNT OF SOLIDS RETURNED TO THE

AERATION BASIN WHICH WOULD REDUCE THE F:M RATIO AND REQUIRE
ADDITIONAL SOLIDS WASTING. THIS COULD CAUSE "OLD" SLUDGE TO
FORM QUICKLY.

B. DECANTING OF AN OVERLOADED AEROBIC DIGESTER:

AN OVERLOADED AEROBIC DIGESTER WILL BE SIMILAR TO THE RETURN
FROM A SLUDGE THICKENER. THIS SITUATION REQUIRES SLUDGE
HAULING TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM.

C. ANAEROBIC DIGESTER SUPERNATANT HIGH IN SOLIDS AND BOD:

THIS COULD CAUSE INCREASED GROWTH OF ACTIVATED SLUDGE ORGAN-

ISMS AND AN INCREASED OXYGEN REQUIREMENT. THIS SITUATION
SHOULD BE CORRECTED BY SUPPLYING MORE OXYGEN AND HAULING
SLUDGE.
20
 D. POORLY OPERATING MECHANICAL SLUDGE DEWATERING
EQUIPMENT:

POORLY OPERATING MECHANICAL SLUDGE DEWATERING EQUIPMENT COULD

RETURN HIGH SOLIDS AND BOD TO THE SYSTEM THAT WOULD REQUIRE
TREATMENT.

56. List three possible causes and corrective actions for low
dissolved oxygen in an aeration basin.
A. CAUSE: NOT ENOUGH AIR SUPPLIED.

CORRECTION: INCREASE BLOWER AIR SUPPLY BY OPENING INLET

VALVE,INCREASING THE SPEED OF THE BLOWER, OR BY TURNING
ON ANOTHER BLOWER. CONSIDER REPLACEMENT OF COURSE BUBBLE
DIFFUSERS WITH FINE BUBBLE DIFFUSERS TO INCREASE THE OXYGEN
TRANSFER EFFICIENCY.

B. CAUSE: EXCESSIVE LOADING.

CORRECTION: REDUCE THE LOADING TO THE SYSTEM BY FLOW

EQUALIZATION OR BY PLACING MORE AERATION BASINS IN SERVICE.

C. CAUSE: POOR AIR DISTRIBUTION:

CORRECTION: CLEAN DIFFUSERS TO ENSURE GOOD OXYGEN

TRANSFER AND MIXING. IF DISTRIBUTION IS STILL POOR, CONSIDER
ADDING AUXILIARY MIXERS.

57. Identify the options available to an operator of an oxidation

ditch that has adequate dissolved oxygen, but is experiencing
solids build-up on the basin bottom.
THIS COULD BE CAUSED BY AN UNDERLOADED PLANT(HYDRAULIC FLOWS
LOW RELATIVE TO DESIGN VALUES). TO CORRECT THIS PROBLEM, IT
WOULD BE SUGGESTED TO LOWER DITCH ELEVATION, IF POSSIBLE, AND
TO RUN ALL MIXERS AND AERATORS TO KEEP SOLIDS IN SUSPENSION.
IT MAY ALSO BE NECESSARY TO REDUCE THE SLUDGE AGE TO GET A
"YOUNGER" SLUDGE.

58. Describe the physical and visual observations that would

Indicate potential problems in the aeration basin related to:

A. Foam.
B. Color.
C. Odor.
D. Turbulence.
A. FOAM: LIGHT/BILLOWY FOAM INDICATES TOO YOUNG OF A SLUDGE
AGE. DARK THICK FOAM INDICATES TOO OLD OF A SLUDGE AGE.
VARIOUS FOAMING PROBLEMS CAN ALSO BE ATTRIBUTED TO
INDUSTRIAL/CHEMICAL DISCHARGES AND/OR SOME FILAMENTOUS
ORGANISMS (NOCARDIA).
21
 B. COLOR: A CHOCOLATE-BROWN COLOR INDICATES A HEALTHY
AEROBIC SYSTEM. A VERY DARK OR BLACK SLUDGE TYPICALLY
INDICATES LOW DISSOLVED OXYGEN IN THE SYSTEM. UNUSUAL
COLORS ARE USUALLY ATTRIBUTABLE TO DISCHARGES OF DYES
OR OTHER INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTS.

C. ODOR: A HEALTHY AEROBIC SYSTEM SHOULD HAVE A SLIGHTLY

MUSTY ODOR. A FOUL ROTTEN EGG ODOR (HYDROGEN SULFIDE)
USUALLY INDICATES SEPTIC CONDITIONS DUE TO LOW
DISSOLVED OXYGEN.

D. TURBULENCE: A COMPLETELY MIXED AERATION BASIN SHOULD

HAVE UNIFORM TURBULENCE PATTERNS THROUGHOUT THE BASIN.
NON-UNIFORM TURBULENCE MAY INDICATE PLUGGED AIR
DIFFUSERS, MALFUNCTIONING MIXING EQUIPMENT, OR POOR AIR
DISTRIBUTION.

__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________

MODULE D: SAFETY AND CALCULATION

__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________

CONCEPT: SAFETY

59. List the safety considerations when storing, handling, and

using chemicals.
THE FOLLOWING REPRESENTS A LIST OF CONSIDERATIONS IN STORING,
HANDLING, AND USING CHEMICALS IN THE ACTIVATED SLUDGE
TREATMENT PROCESS:

A. STORE ALL CHEMICALS IN ISOLATED LOCATIONS NOT USED FOR

OTHER STORAGE PURPOSES (DO NOT STORE WITH PAINT,
SOLVENTS, GASOLINE, OR OTHER ORGANIC MATERIALS).

1. SHOULD HAVE A SEPARATE FIREPROOF LOCATION.

2. SHOULD BE ABLE TO MAINTAIN A CONSTANT ROOM
TEMPERATURE.
3. SHOULD HAVE ADEQUATE EXHAUST FAN FOR VENTILATION.
4. SHOULD HAVE AN ALARM SYSTEM AND A LOCATION
ISOLATED FROM THE PUBLIC.
5. SHOULD BE A DRY ATMOSPHERE.
6. SHOULD HAVE PROPER HANDLING EQUIPMENT.
7. SHOULD HAVE PROPER TANK CYLINDER SECURING DEVICES.
8. SHOULD STORE DRY CHEMICALS IN THEIR ORIGINAL WELL
MARKED CONTAINERS.
9. SHOULD HAVE A COMMUNICATION SYSTEM (RADIO OR
PHONE) IN CASE OF EMERGENCIES.
10. SHOULD POST PHONE NUMBERS OF POLICE AND FIRE
DEPARTMENTS.
22
 B. A CHLORINE STORAGE LOCATION SHOULD HAVE THE FOLLOWING
EQUIPMENT:

1. SELF-CONTAINED BREATHING APPARATUS.(MOST

IMPORTANT)
2. LEAK DETECTOR.
3. CHLORINE REPAIR KIT.

C. OPERATORS HANDLING CHEMICALS SHOULD HAVE THE FOLLOWING

EQUIPMENT:

1. PROTECTIVE CLOTHING.
2. RUBBER GLOVES.
3. GOGGLES.
4. EYEWASH FACILITIES.
5. SHOWER FACILITIES.

D. OPERATORS HANDLING CHEMICALS SHOULD HAVE THE FOLLOWING

TRAINING:

1. FIRST AID TRAINING.

2. CPR TRAINING.
3. CHEMICAL HANDLING TRAINING.

NOTE: AN OPERATOR SHOULD ONLY HANDLE CHEMICALS WHILE A

PARTNER IS IN THE VICINITY OF THE WORK AREA.

60. Discuss the hazards associated with both full and empty
aeration basins.
FULL TANKS:

A. A POSSIBILITY OF DROWNING IF AN OPERATOR FALLS INTO THE

TANK. THE AERATED LIQUID IS LESS DENSE THAN PLAIN
WATER.
B. THE AERATION BASINS ARE A SOURCE OF AIRBORNE ORGANISMS,
SOME OF WHICH CAN CAUSE DISEASES.
C. A POSSIBLILITY OF FALLS OR INJURY WHEN WORKING ON
EQUIPMENT.

EMPTY TANKS
A. AN EMPTY TANK IS CONSIDERED A CONFINED SPACE, AND HAS
THE POTENTIAL FOR DANGEROUS GASES.

B. INJURY COULD OCCUR IF SOMEONE FELL INTO THE TANK.

C. A POSSIBLITY OF INJURY WHEN WORKING ON MECHANICAL

EQUIPMENT.

23
CONCEPT: CALCULATIONS

61. Given data, calculate the volume(in gallons) of the following

tanks:

A. Rectangular Tank.
B. Round Tank.
A. RECTANGULAR TANK:

GIVEN: LENGTH = 30 FEET

WIDTH = 12 FEET
DEPTH = 10 FEET
1 CUBIC FOOT = 7.5 GALLONS

FORMULA:

VOLUME = LENGTH X WIDTH X DEPTH

VOLUME = 30 X 12 X 10

= 3600 CUBIC FEET

VOLUME = 3600 CUBIC FEET X 7.5

= 27,000 GALLONS

B. ROUND TANK:
GIVEN: TANK DIAMETER = 30 FEET
TANK DEPTH = 12 FEET
1 CUBIC FOOT = 7.5 GALLONS

FORMULA:

VOLUME = 3.14 X RADIUS X RADIUS X DEPTH

VOLUME = 3.14 X 15 X 15 X 12

= 8480 CUBIC FEET

VOLUME = 8480 CUBIC FEET X 7.5

= 63,600 GALLONS

62. Given data, calculate percent BOD removal.

GIVEN: RAW WASTEWATER BOD = 200 mg/L

FINAL EFFLUENT BOD = 15 mg/L

24
 FORMULA:

% BOD REMOVAL = CONCENTRATION(IN)-CONCENTRATION(OUT)

CONCENTRATION(IN) X 100

% BOD REMOVAL = 200 - 15

200 X 100

= 92.5%

63. Given data, calculate the loading(in pounds per day) to an

aeration basin.
GIVEN: CONCENTRATION INFLUENT BOD = 150 mg/L
FLOW = 1.0 MGD

FORMULA:

LOADING(POUNDS/DAY) = CONCENTRATION(mg/L) X FLOW(MGD) X 8.34

= 150 X 1.0 X 8.34

= 1250 POUNDS PER DAY

SOMETIMES AERATION BASIN LOADING IS EXPRESSED AS POUNDS OF

BOD PER 1000 CUBIC FEET OF TANK VOLUME

GIVEN: POUNDS OF BOD/DAY = 1250 POUNDS PER DAY

TANK VOLUME = 30,000 CUBIC FEET

FORMULA:

LOADING = POUNDS OF BOD PER DAY

TANK VOLUME(CU.FT.)/1000

= 1250
30

= 42 POUNDS PER 1000 CUBIC FEET/DAY

64. Given data, calculate a sludge volume index (SVI).

GIVEN: 30 MINUTE MIXED LIQUOR SETTLED VOLUME = 300 ML

MIXED LIQUOR CONCENTRATION = 2400 mg/L

FORMULA:

SVI = MIXED LIQUOR 30 MINUTE SETTED VOLUME(ML) X 1000

MIXED LIQUOR CONCENTRATION (mg/L)

SVI = 300 X 1000

2400

SVI = 125
25
65. Given data, calculate the theoretical detention time in a
rectangular tank.
GIVEN: TANK LENGTH = 50 FEET
WIDTH = 12 FEET
DEPTH = 10 FEET
HYDRAULIC FLOW RATE = 180,000 GPD
1 CUBIC FOOT = 7.5 GALLONS

FORMULA:

VOLUME = LENGTH X WIDTH X DEPTH X 7.5

FLOW RATE/HOUR = GPD

24

DETENTION TIME = VOLUME

FLOW RATE

VOLUME = 50 X 12 X 10 X 7.5

= 45,000 GALLONS

FLOW RATE = 180,000 GPD

24 HOURS/DAY

= 7500 GALLONS PER HOUR

DETENTION TIME = 45,000

7500

= 6 HOURS

66. Given data, calculate sludge age.

GIVEN: VOLUME OF AERATION BASIN = 140,000 GALLONS

MIXED LIQUOR SUSPENDED SOLIDS = 2400 mg/L
VOLUME OF SLUDGE WASTED = 5000 GALLONS
CONCENTRATION OF WASTE SLUDGE = 9600 mg/L

FORMULA:
SLUDGE AGE = POUNDS OF MIXED LIQUOR SUSPENDED SOLIDS
POUNDS OF SLUDGE SOLIDS WASTED PER DAY

SLUDGE AGE = CONCENTRATION(mg/L) X VOLUME(MG) X 8.34

CONCENTRATION(mg/L) X FLOW(MG) X 8.34

SLUDGE AGE = 2400 X .14 X 8.34

9600 X .005 X 8.34

26
 = 2800 POUNDS
400 POUNDS/DAY

= 7 DAYS

OR, IN REVERSE, HOW MANY GALLONS OF SLUDGE SHOULD BE WASTED

TO HAVE A 7 DAY SLUDGE AGE?

FORMULA:

SLUDGE AGE = MIXED LIQUOR SUSPENDED SOLIDS

SLUDGE SOLIDS WASTED PER DAY

SLUDGE SOLIDS WASTED/DAY = MIXED LIQUOR SUSPENDED SOLIDS

DESIRED SLUDGE AGE

= CONCENTRATION(mg/L) X VOLUME(MG) X 8.34

DESIRED SLUDGE AGE

= 2400 X .14 X 8.34

7

= 2800
7
= 400 POUNDS PER DAY

= 400
9600 X 8.34

= .005 MG OR 5000 GALLONS

67. Given data, calculate an F:M ratio.

GIVEN: PRIMARY EFFLUENT BOD = 120 mg/L

INFLUENT FLOW = 1.0 MGD
MIXED LIQUOR SS CONCENTRATION = 2400 mg/L
AERATION VOLUME = 170,000 GALLONS

FORMULA:

F:M = BOD LOADING TO AERATION BASIN

POUNDS OF SOLIDS IN AERATION BASIN

F:M = CONCENTRATION(mg/L) X FLOW(MGD) X 8.34

CONCENTRATION(mg/L) X VOLUME(MG)X 8.34

F:M = 120 X 1 X 8.34

2400 X .17 X 8.34

F:M = .29

27
68. Given data, calculate for different volumes or
concentrations.
GIVEN: VOLUME OF WASTE SLUDGE = 5000 GALLONS
CONCENTRATION OF WASTE SLUDGE = 9600 mg/L
VOLUME OF THICKENED SLUDGE = 3000 GALLONS

FORMULA:

PROPORTIONAL EQUATION

V = VOLUME C = CONCENTRATION

V1 X C1 = V2 X C2

FIND CONCENTRATION OF THICKENED SLUDGE

5000 X 9600 = 3000 X C2

THICKENED CONCENTRATION = 5000 X 9600

3000

= 16,000 mg/L

28
 RESOURCES

1. ADVANCED WASTE TREATMENT. 1st Edition (1987), Kenneth D.

Kerri. California State University, 6000 J Street,
Sacramento, CA 95819-6025. Phone (916) 278-6142.
http://www.owp.csus.edu/training/

2. CONTROLLING WASTEWATER TREATMENT PROCESSES. (1984).

Cortinovis, Dan. Ridgeline Press, 1136 Orchard Road,
Lafayette, CA 94549.

3. OPERATION OF MUNICIPAL WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANTS. Manual

of Practice No.11 (MOP 11), 2nd Addition (1990), Volumes I,
II, and III. Water Environment Federation (Old WPCF), 601
Wythe Street, Alexandria, VA 22314-1994. Phone (800)
666-0206. (MOP 11, 1976 can still be used as a reference.)
http://www.wef.org/

4. OPERATION OF WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANTS. 3rd Edition

(1990), Volumes 1 and 2, Kenneth D. Kerri, California State
University, 6000 J Street, Sacramento, CA 95819-6025. Phone
(916) 278-6142.
http://www.owp.csus.edu/training/

5. STANDARD METHODS FOR THE EXAMINATION OF WATER AND

WASTEWATER. 17th Edition (1989), 18th Edition (1992). Joint
Publication of: American Public Health Association;
American Water Works Association; and, Water Environment
Federation (Old WPCF). Publication Office: American Public
Health Association, 1015 Fifteenth Street NW, Washington, DC
20005.

29