Aeration Basin Biomass Comparison Data

A dataset that comes from the Rock Creek wastewater treatment plant (WWTP), which is a conventional treatment plant that has two aeration basins named East and West. To adjust operation, the total mass of biosolids in the system (activated sludge basin) is measured and compared to a target. If the amount of solids is greater than the target, the solids are removed from the system by "wasting" (less biosolids from the bottom of a clarifier that treats the water after the aeration basin are returned to the aeration basin). If the amount of solids is less than the target, no solids are wasted (more biosolids from the bottom of the clarifier are returned to the aeration basin). In cases where the amount of solids is less than the target, it is possible that the microorganisms cannot grow fast enough. This is most likely due to low concentrations of food (measured as biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) in the influent). The total biomass in the system is also related to ammonia transformation/removal. A minimum "sludge age" (e.g., average time biomass grows in the system, solids retention time (SRT)) is needed to remove ammonia and nitrate, but if the biomass stays in the system too long, "bad" microorganisms can take over that compete with the "good" microorganisms for food. The goal of this dataset is to compare the performance of the two aeration basins.