The Activated Sludge Process is a technology that uses the natural activities of microorganisms to remove dissolved pollutants like BOD, ammonia, and phosphorus.  Microorganisms are brought into contact with wastewater containing “food”. Under good conditions, the food (our waste) is consumed by the microorganisms. We then separate the microorganisms, leaving behind clean water (effluent).

Microorganisms only thrive under the right environmental conditions. Of particular importance are population (number of microorganisms), pH, temperature, mixing, contact time, oxygen, and presence of life-sustaining nutrients.  If we want our activated sludge system to consistently perform well (and meet permit) we ought to be monitoring, and to the extent possible, controlling those factors.