What should be regularly monitored in an activated sludge system?

In an activated sludge system, regularly monitoring biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) levels is crucial for evaluating the effectiveness of the wastewater treatment process. BOD is a measure of the amount of oxygen that microorganisms will consume while decomposing organic matter in the water. High levels of BOD indicate a high concentration of organic pollutants, requiring more treatment to ensure discharge standards are met. By monitoring BOD levels, operators can assess the performance of the biological treatment process, make necessary adjustments to aeration rates and sludge retention times, and ensure that the system is functioning efficiently.

This focus on BOD is essential for maintaining the health of the microbial community within the system, optimizing treatment efficiency, and minimizing environmental impacts when effluent is discharged. Continuous tracking of BOD helps operators prevent potential issues such as sludge bulking or treatment failures that could result from excess organic load. Thus, regular monitoring of BOD is a best practice for maintaining the stability and effectiveness of activated sludge processes.