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Total Microbial Mass is the cumulative mass of microorganisms present in a given sample or system. This includes bacteria, fungi, protozoa, and other microbes that play a crucial role in biological wastewater treatment processes.
The calculator uses the formula:
Where:
Explanation: This formula calculates the total mass of microorganisms required to process a given daily BOD load based on the food to microorganism ratio in a biological treatment system.
Details: Accurate calculation of microbial mass is essential for designing and operating biological wastewater treatment systems. It helps determine the appropriate biomass concentration needed to efficiently treat organic waste while maintaining system stability.
Tips: Enter Daily BOD load in kilograms and Food to Microorganism Ratio as a dimensionless value. Both values must be positive numbers greater than zero for accurate calculation.
Q1: What is the typical range for Food to Microorganism Ratio?
A: Typical F/M ratios range from 0.05 to 1.0 kg BOD/kg MLVSS-day, depending on the treatment process and desired effluent quality.
Q2: How does temperature affect microbial mass requirements?
A: Lower temperatures generally require higher microbial mass as metabolic rates decrease, while higher temperatures may require less mass due to increased microbial activity.
Q3: What factors influence the Food to Microorganism Ratio?
A: The F/M ratio is influenced by wastewater characteristics, treatment objectives, system configuration, and environmental conditions.
Q4: How often should microbial mass be monitored?
A: Regular monitoring (daily to weekly) is recommended to maintain optimal treatment performance and prevent system upsets.
Q5: Can this calculation be used for different biological treatment systems?
A: Yes, the basic principle applies to various biological treatment systems including activated sludge, trickling filters, and rotating biological contactors.