Overview

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.

Full Product Details

Author:   Michael H. Gerardi (Linden, Pennsylvania, USA)
Publisher:   John Wiley & Sons Inc
Imprint:   John Wiley & Sons Inc
Dimensions:   Width: 17.50cm , Height: 1.30cm , Length: 24.90cm
Weight:   0.612kg
ISBN:  

9781119795193

ISBN 10:   1119795192
Pages:   304
Publication Date:   26 January 2026
Audience:   Professional and scholarly ,  Professional & Vocational
Format:   Paperback
Publisher's Status:   Active
Availability:   Awaiting stock  
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Table of Contents

PREFACE ix 1 Introduction 1 PART I BACTERIA AND ARCHAEA 13 2 Bacteria 15 3 Bacterial Growth and Bacterial Reproduction 33 4 Bacteria as MLVSS 43 5 Floc Formation 53 6 Significant Groups of Bacteria 59 7 Archaea 79 PART II RESPIRATION AND FERMENTATION 83 8 Carbon Capture and Energy Capture 85 9 Rise Times, Respiration, and Fermentation 93 10 Respiration, Fermentation, and Wastewater Treatment 103 11 Respiration and Fermentation: Degrading cBOD 109 12 Respiration: Degrading nBOD 123 13 The “Chlorine Sponge” 129 14 ORP: Monitoring Respiration and Fermentation 133 PART III SUBSTRATES AND NUTRIENTS 137 15 Substrates 139 16 Major Nutrients 151 17 Minor Nutrients 169 PART IV NITROGEN, PHOSPHORUS AND SULFUR 175 18 Tracking Nitrogen 177 19 Tracking Phosphorus 189 20 Tracking Sulfur 201 PART V FOAM, SCUM AND FOG 209 21 Foam and Scum Production 211 22 Fats, Oils, and Grease 223 PART VI PROTOZOA AND METAZOA 229 23 The Microbiota 231 24 Protozoa 237 25 Changes in Dominant Protozoan Groups 243 26 Metazoa 255 PART VII PROCESS CONTROL TABLES AND KEYS 265 27 Process Control Tables 267 28 Process Control Keys 273 REFERENCES 281 ABBREVIATIONS AND ACRONYMS 285 GLOSSARY 287 INDEX 000

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Author Information

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.

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