A manual for linking operational changes to shifts in microbes and microbial populations

In The Biology of the Activated Sludge Process, experienced wastewater microbiologist, Michael Gerardi, delivers a hands-on, biological approach to the activated sludge process. The book offers a “natural” perspective, focusing on simplistic, reliable, and practical measures that professionals can use to quickly identify and correct operational problems in activated sludge processes (ASPs).

Gerardi covers the biochemical fundamentals of the ASP and in-plant techniques that enable operators to monitor and correct daily changes in operational conditions, sewer systems, and industrial discharges. He also explores the commonly overlooked distinction between sludge and solids and how this difference affects the day-to-day work of wastewater treatment plant operators.

Readers will also find:

• Examinations of significant organisms involved in treatment processes, their positive and negative roles, and operational conditions controlling their growth
• Detailed discussions of different types of BODs (Biochemical Oxygen Demand), such as particulate, colloidal, lipids, complex soluble, and simple soluble
• Explorations of problems that may be created by the addition of chemical compounds and how wastewater treatment success or failure is determined by biochemical reactions
• Effective and inexpensive tests and parameters useful for the identification and correction of common operational problems

This is an essential troubleshooting guide for wastewater operators to incorporate into their process control measures. The text is also useful for laboratory technicians at wastewater treatment plants and commercial laboratories, regulatory personnel who inspect wastewater treatment plants, and consulting engineers.

MICHAEL H. GERARDI is a wastewater microbiologist. He has operated activated sludge treatment processes and has 45 years of experience in wastewater collection, treatment, and disposal. He has provided consulting and microscopy services for domestic, municipal, and industrial wastewater treatment plants throughout the United States, Canada, and the Caribbean. He has developed and taught wastewater biology classes for Penn State University to over 15,000 operators and authored 11 textbooks in wastewater biology.