Page 11 - SIMPLIFIED WASTEWATER TREATMENT FUNDAMENTALS\ Advanced Activated Sludge P3
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Applied F:M
F:M simply divides the pounds of Food (wastewater BOD) into the Biomass (MLVSS) in
Pounds.
Activated Sludge Carbonaceous treatment is a simple process of removing carbon based
organic pollution from the wastewater utilizing Heterotrophs (Ciliates, Stalked Ciliates,
Rotifers, etc..).
Heterotrophs get their food from the BOD in the wastewater. A F:M ratio of 1:1, or 1
pound of food for every 1 pound of biomass represents the upper level of treatment
capability under ideal conditions (warm summer temperatures speeding up cellular
metabolisms with plenty of time for the hardworking cells to adsorb).
An F:M of 1:1 is expressed as 1.0.
