Upon completing this course, participants will be able to:
- Explain the purpose and key process steps of primary and secondary wastewater treatment, and compare how trickling filters, oxidation ditches, and sequencing batch reactors (SBRs) remove pollutants.
- Perform and interpret common lab tests such as BOD, TSS, pH, dissolved oxygen, and settleability, and use the results to make process control decisions.
- Identify proper solids handling practices, including sludge wasting, thickening, digestion, and dewatering, and describe how they affect overall plant performance.
- Troubleshoot common operational problems like bulking sludge, foaming, poor settling, and permit exceedances by recognizing their symptoms, likely causes, and corrective actions.
- Complete accurate operational records and discharge monitoring reports (DMRs) that meet regulatory reporting requirements.
