What are the five important controls for activated sludge plants?

Dissolved oxygen is crucial for activated sludge plants because it is necessary for the survival of aerobic microorganisms that decompose organic matter in the wastewater. The proper level of dissolved oxygen ensures that these microorganisms can efficiently carry out their metabolic processes, leading to effective treatment of the wastewater. Insufficient dissolved oxygen can lead to anaerobic conditions, resulting in incomplete treatment, odors, and the production of undesirable by-products.

Maintaining optimal dissolved oxygen levels is essential not just for microorganism health, but also for promoting the flocculation of solids, which aids in the separation of treated water from settled solids in the clarifier. This balance ultimately contributes to enhancing the overall efficiency and effectiveness of the activated sludge process.

While aerator solids levels, rate of return sludge, and wasting rate are also important parameters in managing an activated sludge system, they all hinge on the fundamental necessity of dissolved oxygen, which directly influences microbial activity and overall treatment performance.