Troubleshooting Activated Sludge - Online Only

Course Description

This course is designed to provide wastewater professionals with the knowledge and practical skills needed to effectively troubleshoot activated sludge treatment processes. Participants will learn how to evaluate sludge characteristics, interpret settling test results, assess floc quality and stability, identify operational issues such as floc shearing and high dissolved solids, and recognize indicators of toxicity within the biological treatment process. Through real-world examples and process control strategies, attendees will gain the tools necessary to diagnose problems, improve treatment performance, and maintain a healthy activated sludge system.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:

• Evaluate sludge inventory and determine whether solids levels are appropriate for effective treatment.
• Interpret 30-minute settling test results and use the data to assess process performance.
• Identify characteristics of healthy and unhealthy floc formation and stability.
• Recognize signs and causes of floc shearing and implement corrective actions.
• Assess the impact of total dissolved solids (TDS) on biological treatment processes.
• Identify indicators of toxicity affecting activated sludge microorganisms and treatment efficiency.
• Troubleshoot common activated sludge operational issues using process control data and visual observations.
• Apply corrective strategies to improve settling, biological activity, and overall plant performance.

Instructor: Rex Blanton, AIRW