Page 15 - SIMPLIFIED WASTEWATER TREATMENT FUNDAMENTALS\ Advanced Activated Sludge P3
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Summary F:M Description and F:M Range
Food to Mass Ratio represents the entire population of biomass, which
can include both carbonaceous (Heterotrophs) and nitrogenous
treatment (Autotrophs).
Autotrophic microorganisms feed on nutrients (like ammonia) as a food
source. Activated Sludge that contains both Heterotrophs and
Autotrophs will result in higher populations of microorganisms.
Higher population (more pounds) results in lower F:M ratios.
Nutrient removal using Autotrophs will be discussed in another Module.