odors in raw water

Dealing with Bad Odors in Raw Water: Challenges and Solutions

In various industries, from manufacturing, food and beverage, to the health sector, water is not just a complement, but a vital component. However, often the quality of raw water does not meet the expected standards, one of which is indicated by an unpleasant odor that is disturbing.

The problem of odor in raw water is not just a matter of comfort. This is an indicator of biological or chemical contamination which, if not handled properly, can disrupt the production process, reduce product quality, and create negative perceptions from consumers towards your brand.

The Impact of Bad Odors in Raw Water

A strange odor in raw water indicates that the water is not naturally clean, and potentially contains hazardous substances. Some of the impacts that can arise include:

1. Decrease in the Quality of the Final Product

The food, beverage and cosmetic industries are highly dependent on water quality. Odors in water can alter the taste, aroma or stability of a product. Consumers will immediately notice a difference in quality, even if there is only a small sensory change.

2. Disruption in the Production Process

Water odor is generally related to the presence of complex organic compounds, microorganisms, or gas compounds such as H₂S. These substances can interfere with chemical reactions, fermentation, or sanitation processes that require stable water conditions.

3. Increases the Risk of Corrosion and Fouling

Some odor-causing substances such as sulfur compounds, iron, and manganese can trigger corrosion in pipes and industrial equipment. In addition, the accumulation of organic materials in the piping system also accelerates fouling, thereby reducing the overall efficiency of the system.

Read Also: Scaling and Corrosion in Boilers: A Hidden Threat to Face

4. Difficulty Meeting Regulatory Standards

Smelly water indicates that there are water parameters that exceed safe limits, such as Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD), Total Organic Carbon (TOC), or microbes. This makes it difficult for industries to meet industrial water quality standards, SNI, or even certain export standards.

5. Affect the Company’s Image

Especially in the hospitality industry such as hotels, restaurants, and hospitals, the smell of tap water or bathrooms will immediately create a negative experience for users. In the digital age, customer complaints about water quality can spread quickly and affect the reputation of a business widely.

Causes of Bad Odor in Raw Water

To effectively address odor issues, it is important to understand what causes them. In general, the causes of odor in raw water can be classified into several categories:

1. Activity of Microorganisms

Bacteria, algae, and other microorganisms can produce organic compounds that cause odor, especially in stagnant surface water. The two main compounds are:

  • Geosmin – Causes an earthy or mossy odor, usually from cyanobacteria.
  • MIB (Methyl Isoborneol) – Causes a musty or moldy odor, also produced by algae and aquatic microorganisms.

2. Dissolved Gases such as Hydrogen Sulfide (H₂S)

This gas gives a distinctive odor like rotten eggs and is commonly found in groundwater or water that has anaerobic conditions. H₂S appears due to the activity of sulfate-reducing bacteria that thrive in low-oxygen environments.

3. Dissolved Organic Matter

Organic materials such as rotting leaves, moss, and agricultural waste can decompose and produce unpleasant odors. These substances also increase the organic load (COD/TOC) which burdens the water treatment process.

Read Also: How to Overcome High COD and BOD in Wastewater?

4. Contamination from Industrial or Domestic Waste

Water contaminated with household or industrial waste often carries chemical compounds such as phenol, ammonia, or detergents that produce a sharp, pungent, or even chemical-like odor.

5. Heavy Metals and Minerals

Water with high iron and manganese content can cause a strong metallic odor. In addition, both can stain clothing, equipment, and ruin the aesthetics of the water.

6. Environmental Conditions

Long dry seasons that reduce the volume of river or reservoir water can cause an increase in the concentration of odor-causing compounds. In addition, changes in water temperature also affect the growth of microorganisms.

Odor Treatment Solutions in Raw Water

The problem of odor in raw water cannot be solved with a single solution. An integrated approach is needed that combines source analysis and appropriate treatment strategies. Here are some methods that have proven effective:

1. Water Quality Testing and Technical Consultation

Before determining a treatment system, it is essential to conduct comprehensive laboratory testing, including:

  • Organic parameters: COD, TOC, BOD
  • Microbiological content
  • Dissolved metal and gas content

Lautan Air Indonesia provides complete water analysis services along with technical consulting support to design systems that suit customer specific needs.

2. Aeration System

Aeration is used to remove dissolved gases such as H₂S, enhance oxidation of metals such as iron and manganese, and help control the growth of anaerobic microorganisms. Aeration systems can be designed mechanically or with venturi technology.

3. Ozonization (Ozone Treatment)

Ozon adalah oksidator kuat yang mampu menghancurkan senyawa organik kompleks, membunuh mikroorganisme penyebab bau, serta memperbaiki kualitas warna dan rasa air. Ozonisasi juga tidak meninggalkan residu berbahaya seperti halnya disinfektan kimia.

4. Activated Carbon

Adsorption technology using activated carbon is very effective in removing odor, taste, and color from water. Activated carbon absorbs small organic compounds such as geosmin and MIB.

Lautan Air Indonesia provides various types of activated carbon—granular and powder—based on coconut shells and coal.

5. Coagulation and Flocculation

To handle odors caused by dissolved organic matter, a combination of coagulants and flocculants is needed to precipitate fine particles and odor-causing compounds. Types of coagulants such as PAC, ACH, or Aluminum Sulfate can be used according to water characteristics.

Lautan Air Indonesia has a coagulant plant in Indonesia, ensuring fast distribution and stable supply of water treatment chemicals.

6. Multi-Stage Filtration

The use of layered media filters such as silica sand, anthracite, DMI-65, and activated carbon can filter pollutants physically and chemically. This filtration system can be used as part of a pre-treatment or post-treatment unit.

7. UV Light for Disinfection

UV disinfection is very effective in deactivating bacteria and algae that contribute to odor. This technology does not use chemicals and does not produce harmful by-products.

Eliminate Bad Odors in Raw Water with Laut Air Indonesia

The problem of bad odor in raw water is often caused by contamination of organic materials, the growth of microorganisms, dissolved metals such as iron and manganese, to gases such as hydrogen sulfide (H₂S). The impact is not only limited to water quality, but can also disrupt the production process, cause an unpleasant odor in the final product, and accelerate the corrosion of industrial equipment.

Lautan Air Indonesia is here with an integrated solution to overcome odor in raw water, starting from analyzing water characteristics, selecting chemicals such as coagulants, flocculants, and disinfectants, to providing filter media such as activated carbon and DMI-65. We also provide treatment systems such as ozonation, UV disinfection, and modular carbon filters that are designed according to industrial needs. Supported by operation and maintenance (O&M) services, operator training, to IoT-based control, we ensure that your system runs optimally and sustainably.

Trust your water treatment needs to Lautan Air Indonesia, a partner with more than 40 years of experience. Contact us for reliable, efficient water treatment consultations and solutions that suit your industrial needs.

increase ro recovery rate

How to Increase RO Recovery Rate for Optimal Efficiency

Reverse Osmosis (RO) is a water filtration technology that is very effective in producing clean water with high quality. However, one of the main challenges in operating an RO system is the low recovery rate, which is the percentage of raw water that is successfully converted into clean water. If the recovery rate is low, then the volume of water wasted as reject (brine) becomes greater, increasing operational costs and reducing the efficiency of water use.

Many industries and water treatment facilities face this obstacle. They want to increase the recovery rate to optimize raw water consumption and reduce waste disposal costs, but often face various obstacles, such as:

  • Membrane Fouling – Accumulation of contaminants on the membrane that inhibits its performance.
  • Scaling – Mineral deposits that reduce the membrane’s filtration capacity.
  • High Operating Pressure – The higher the pressure required, the higher the energy consumption and operating costs.
  • Decreased Permeate Water Quality – Indiscriminately increasing the recovery rate can lead to increased TDS and other contaminants in the output water.

Without proper solutions, these issues can result in more frequent downtime, shorter membrane life, and increased operational costs.

Consequences If Recovery Rate Is Not Increased

When the RO recovery rate is not optimized, the negative impact is not only felt in terms of operations, but also in terms of sustainability and regulatory compliance. Some of the negative impacts of a low recovery rate include:

  • Raw Water Waste – Water purchased or taken from natural sources is not utilized optimally, increasing the consumption of resources that could be minimized.
  • High Waste Disposal Costs – The more water is discharged as brine, the higher the cost of treatment and disposal.
  • Poor Energy Efficiency – With low recovery rates, the energy used in the osmosis process is not optimal, significantly increasing electricity costs.
  • Environmental Impacts – Discharge of liquid waste with high salt concentrations can pollute the environment and contribute to ecological problems.

If companies do not address this issue immediately, operational costs will continue to increase, efficiency will decrease, and the potential for compliance with environmental regulations could be compromised.

Read Also: How to Prevent Biofilm Formation in RO Systems

Effective Ways to Increase RO Recovery Rate

In order for the RO system to work optimally with a higher recovery rate, here are some solutions that can be applied.

1. Improvement of Raw Water Pretreatment

Fouling and scaling are two major factors that cause a decrease in recovery rate. Therefore, the pretreatment stage should be optimized with the following steps:

  • Using multimedia filters to reduce suspended solids before entering the RO membrane.
  • Application of coagulants and flocculants to reduce organic content that can clog the membrane.
  • Installation of softeners or anti-scalants to prevent scale formation due to calcium and magnesium ions.

2. RO Operation Optimization

A good RO system setup can increase the recovery rate without sacrificing the quality of the resulting water. Some steps that can be taken include:

  • Adjusting the operating pressure to stay within the optimal range without causing excessive pressure that accelerates fouling.
  • Monitoring and controlling the flow rate to avoid excessively high ion concentrations in the reject section.
  • Using a multi-stage RO configuration that allows the reuse of rejects from the first stage to the second stage to increase water separation efficiency.

Read Also: Poor Effluent Quality in Clarifier Tanks: Identifying and Resolving Flow Rate Issues

3. Application of Advanced Technology

With the advancement of technology, there are several innovative methods that can help increase the recovery rate without damaging the membrane:

  • Membranes with Antifouling Technology – The latest membranes are equipped with a special coating that is more resistant to fouling and scaling.
  • Energy Recovery Device (ERD) – This device allows the recovery of energy from the reject stream, significantly reducing power consumption.
  • Continuous Membrane Cleaning (CMC) System – This system allows membrane cleaning without having to shut down, thus reducing downtime and extending membrane life.

4. Scheduled Care and Maintenance

Without proper maintenance, the RO system will experience a drastic decrease in performance. Some suggested maintenance steps are:

  • Periodic cleaning of membranes with appropriate cleaning agents to remove organic and inorganic deposits.
  • Monitoring of operating parameters such as pH, pressure, and conductivity to detect problems early.
  • Routine checks on pumps and valves to ensure there are no leaks or malfunctions that could compromise system performance.

5. Consult with Water Experts from Lautan Air Indonesia

Optimizing RO recovery rates is not an easy task, especially when each facility has different raw water characteristics. Therefore, consulting with an experienced water treatment expert can help in choosing the most appropriate strategy.

Lautan Air Indonesia offers a variety of services and products to improve the performance of your RO system, including:

  • RO system analysis and audit to identify root causes of low recovery rates.
  • Supply of high-quality chemicals such as anti-scalant and coagulant to minimize fouling and scaling.
  • Design and installation of more efficient RO systems with configurations tailored to your industry needs.
  • Maintenance and troubleshooting services to ensure RO systems run at optimal performance all the time.

Optimize RO Recovery Rate with Lautan Air Indonesia

Improving RO recovery rate is an important step in optimizing water usage and reducing operational costs. With the right approach, such as improving pretreatment, optimizing operations, implementing the latest technology, and regular maintenance, RO systems can work more efficiently and save more energy.

Lautan Air Indonesia is ready to help you improve the efficiency of your RO system through proven solutions and professional services. Contact us now for the best consultation and solution for your water treatment needs!

Don’t let low recovery rate hamper your operational efficiency – optimize your RO system with Lautan Air Indonesia today!

Legionella in Cooling Towers

Combating Legionella in Cooling Towers: Maintaining Operational Safety and Efficiency

Cooling towers can be a breeding ground for Legionella bacteria, a dangerous microorganism that thrives in watery environments with temperatures between 20°C and 50°C. If left unchecked, Legionella can spread through aerosols produced by cooling towers and cause serious diseases such as Legionellosis.

Legionella thrive in biofilms and deposits that form inside cooling towers, especially if the water treatment system is not optimal. Factors such as poor water circulation, the presence of organic matter, and inadequate disinfectant levels can accelerate the growth of these bacteria. If a person inhales contaminated water droplets, they can develop Legionnaires’ disease, a severe form of pneumonia that can be fatal.

Legionella Impact: More Than Just a Health Concern

The presence of Legionella in cooling towers is not only a health issue, but can also have a major impact on business operations and regulatory compliance. Here are some of the impacts:

1. Public Health Threat

Legionellosis can cause serious lung infections, with a high fatality rate, especially in people with weakened immune systems. Symptoms such as high fever, cough, shortness of breath, and other respiratory complications can develop rapidly.

2. Operational Disruption

If Legionella is detected, the cooling tower may have to be temporarily shut down for cleaning and disinfection, causing disruptions in the operations of factories, office buildings, hospitals, and other public facilities.

Read Also: Why is My Cooling Tower Experiencing Biofouling?

3. Regulatory Non-Compliance

Governments and health regulatory agencies have strict standards for Legionella control, such as ASHRAE 188, CDC Guidelines, and WHO Environmental Health Guidelines. Failure to comply with these regulations can result in sanctions, fines, or even lawsuits.

4. Business Reputation is Threatened

Legionellosis outbreaks caused by a company’s cooling tower can have a negative impact on the image and trust of customers, business partners, and the surrounding community. This incident can damage the company’s reputation in the long term.

Legionella Control Solution from Lautan Air Indonesia

Overcoming Legionella problems is not enough with just regular cleaning. It requires a comprehensive water management strategy, regular monitoring, and the application of appropriate water treatment technology. Lautan Air Indonesia presents a comprehensive solution to effectively control Legionella and ensure cooling towers remain safe.

1. Legionella Risk Management Program

We provide risk analysis services to identify potential Legionella growth in your cooling tower, as well as develop mitigation strategies that comply with applicable regulations. This program includes cooling system assessment, identification of vulnerable points, and recommendations for preventive measures.

2. Effective Use of Biocides and Disinfectants

Lautan Air Indonesia offers a wide selection of biocides and disinfectants that have been proven to kill Legionella and prevent its regrowth. We provide chemical treatments based on:

  • Oxidatives (such as chlorine, bromine, and peroxides) that work by disrupting the structure of bacteria and biofilms.
  • Non-oxidatives (such as isothiazolines and glutaraldehyde) that are more stable under certain conditions and effective in controlling the growth of microorganisms.

3. Digital Monitoring and Control System

With IoT technology, we provide a real-time monitoring system that allows you to detect potential Legionella growth early and take proactive preventive measures. Our sensors and automation systems allow for accurate measurement of water parameters and ensure optimal chemical dosages.

4. Routine Cleaning and Disinfection

Lautan Air Indonesia’s team of experts can perform regular cleaning and disinfection of cooling towers, including mechanical cleaning to remove deposits and biofilms, as well as shock treatment to effectively kill Legionella bacteria. These procedures help maintain water quality and extend the operational life of the cooling system.

Read Also: Foaming in Cooling Towers: A Problem that Disrupts Efficiency

5. Optimization of Make-Up and Blowdown Water Quality

The quality of incoming water (make-up water) and discharged water (blowdown) greatly influences the presence of Legionella. We assist in the management of water parameters such as pH, alkalinity, and hardness to maintain optimal conditions, so that the risk of bacterial growth can be minimized.

6. Training and Consulting

Lautan Air Indonesia also provides training for your operational team to better understand how to properly manage Legionella risks and implement best practices in cooling tower maintenance. The training program covers water quality monitoring, disinfection techniques, and the correct use of chemical treatments.

Protect Your Cooling Tower Now!

Don’t let Legionella become a threat to your health and business. With over 40 years of experience in water management solutions, Lautan Air Indonesia is ready to help you control Legionella effectively and ensure your cooling tower continues to operate safely.

Contact us now for a consultation and find the best solution for your cooling tower!

removing oxygen from boiler feed water

Protecting Boilers by Removing Oxygen from Feed Water

Boiler feed water is a crucial component in steam generation systems, both for industry and power generation. However, one of the biggest challenges in boiler feedwater management is the presence of dissolved oxygen. Although it may seem trivial, oxygen in feedwater can cause serious corrosion to pipes, boilers, and other equipment. This corrosion not only reduces system efficiency but also increases maintenance costs and the risk of equipment failure.

If oxygen is not controlled, the long-term effects can be very detrimental. Metals in the boiler system will oxidize, forming rust and scale that can clog pipes and reduce heat transfer. As a result, energy consumption increases, efficiency decreases, and equipment life is shortened.

Not only that, corrosion due to oxygen can cause pipe leaks that endanger worker safety and disrupt operational continuity. Therefore, removing oxygen from boiler feedwater is not just a recommendation but a mandatory step for industries that rely on boiler systems.

Losses Caused by Oxygen in Boiler Feed Water

Before we discuss solutions, let’s take a deeper look at how oxygen can cause damage.

1. Corrosion on Pipes and Boilers

Oxygen reacts with metals to form ferric oxide (rust) which accelerates material degradation. This corrosion reduces the thickness of the pipe, increasing the risk of leaks that can lead to production and safety losses.

In severe cases, corrosion can cause total failure of the pipe or boiler, forcing an unexpected system shutdown.

Read Also: Scaling and Corrosion in Boilers: A Hidden Threat to Face

2. Crust and Sediment Formation

Iron particles from corrosion will be carried in the water flow and eventually settle in the system. These deposits form scale that reduces heat transfer efficiency, increases fuel consumption, and shortens the operational life of the boiler.

Scale buildup can also cause overheating in certain parts of the boiler which risks damaging the metal structure.

3. Damage to Boiler Components

Valves, pumps, and heat exchangers are some of the components that are particularly susceptible to the effects of dissolved oxygen. Accumulated corrosion can clog water flow paths, reduce system performance, and increase maintenance and replacement costs.

Premature wear on these components can lead to decreased operational efficiency and increased system downtime.

4. Operational Disruption

Uncontrolled corrosion can lead to leaks that require operational shutdowns for repairs. Downtime due to repairs not only results in decreased productivity but also increases overall operating costs.

In some cases, large leaks can cause system failures that endanger workers and the surrounding environment.

With all of these risks, it is clear that removing oxygen from boiler feedwater should be a top priority in industrial boiler system management.

Read Also: Why Does Boiler Heating Efficiency Decrease?

Effective Ways to Remove Oxygen from Boiler Feed Water

Following are some of the main methods used to remove oxygen from boiler feed water:

1. Use of Deaerator

Deaerator is a mechanical equipment specifically designed to remove oxygen and other dissolved gases from boiler feed water. Its working principle is by:

  • Heating water to near boiling point to release dissolved gases.
  • Using pressure and steam jets to drive oxygen from the water.
  • Collecting oxygen-free water ready for use as boiler feed.

Advantages of using a deaerator:

  • Effectively reduces oxygen levels to below 7 ppb (parts per billion).
  • Reduces consumption of oxygen-binding chemicals.
  • Increases boiler operational efficiency.

2. Use of Chemical Oxygen Scavenger

If the installation of a deaerator is not possible or as a complement, the use of oxygen scavenger chemicals is essential. These chemicals react with dissolved oxygen in water and convert it into compounds that are harmless to the boiler system. Some types of chemical oxygen scavengers that are commonly used:

  • Sodium Sulfite (Na2SO3) – Reacts rapidly with oxygen to form a safe sulfate.
  • Hydrazine (N2H4) – Effective in high pressure systems and does not produce solids.

Advantages of using chemical oxygen scavenger:

  • Prevents corrosion by removing oxygen remaining after deaeration.
  • Easy to apply in various operational conditions.
  • Effective in boiler systems without deaerators.

3. pH Control and Electrical Conductivity Control

Controlling pH and electrical conductivity (EVC) in boiler water also plays a role in preventing corrosion due to oxygen. A pH that is too low can accelerate the oxidation process, while a high EVC indicates the presence of impurity ions that can worsen corrosion.

Solutions that can be applied:

  • Adjusting the pH by adding alkali such as sodium hydroxide (NaOH) to keep it in the optimal range (8.5 – 10.5).
  • Performing periodic blowdown to reduce impurity ions in the boiler water.

4. Regular Monitoring and Analysis

Monitoring the quality of boiler feed water is very important to ensure oxygen remains within safe limits. Some steps that can be taken:

  • Using a dissolved oxygen (DO) meter to monitor dissolved oxygen levels.
  • Conducting periodic chemical tests to control the effectiveness of chemical treatment.
  • Using an automatic monitoring system for faster response to changes in feed water conditions.

Remove Oxygen from Boiler Feed Water with Lautan Air Indonesia

Lautan Air Indonesia has over 40 years of experience in providing the best solutions for industrial water treatment, including oxygen removal from boiler feed water. We offer:

  • Chemical Oxygen Scavenger Supply – Quality products specially formulated for industrial needs.
  • Water Consulting and Analysis Services – Our team of experts are ready to assist in monitoring and managing your boiler water quality.
  • Automatic Monitoring and Control System – Ensures real-time water treatment effectiveness.

With the right solution, you can increase boiler efficiency, reduce maintenance costs, and extend the life of your equipment.

Don’t let oxygen damage your boiler system. Trust Lautan Air Indonesia to provide boiler feedwater treatment solutions. Contact us now for a free consultation and the best solution for your industrial needs!

activated sludge in wastewater treatment plant

Why is the Activated Sludge in Wastewater Treatment Plant Not Sedimenting Properly?

Activated sludge is an important part of the wastewater treatment process in a Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP). However, one common problem that is often encountered is that activated sludge does not settle properly. As a result, the quality of the effluent decreases, the suspended solids content increases, and the efficiency of the WWTP system is disrupted.

This phenomenon is often seen from the sludge that remains floating in the clarifier or sedimentation tank, producing turbid effluent that does not meet environmental standards. So, what causes activated sludge not to settle properly? And how to overcome it?

Impact and Causes of Active Sludge Not Sedimenting

When activated sludge does not settle properly, not only is the efficiency of the WWTP affected, but it can also cause serious consequences such as:

  • Increased Total Suspended Solids (TSS) in the effluent which can cause non-compliance with environmental regulations.
  • Increased Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) and Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) which worsen environmental pollution.
  • Domino effect on downstream processes such as filtration and disinfection, increasing operational costs and the need for additional chemicals.

Some of the main causes of activated sludge not settling properly include:

1. Sludge Bulking 

Sludge bulking occurs when microorganisms in activated sludge grow excessively and form flocs that are less dense, making it difficult to settle. The main causes of sludge bulking include:

  • Excessive growth of filamentous bacteria, especially in conditions with excess carbon or nutrient deficits such as nitrogen and phosphorus.
  • Suboptimal aeration conditions, either excessive aeration that keeps the sludge floating or insufficient aeration that causes the growth of unwanted microorganisms.
  • Imbalance in the F/M (Food to Microorganism) ratio, where the amount of organic waste entering does not match the available microbial population.

Read Also: Why Is There Too Much Sludge in My Clarifier?

2. Sludge Pin-Pointing

Sludge pin-pointing occurs when the sludge flocs are too small and not heavy enough to settle properly. This can be caused by:

  • Too aggressive aeration, which causes the mud floc to break into smaller particles.
  • Inappropriate coagulant or flocculant dosage, so that the floc is not formed optimally.
  • Low organic load ratio, which makes the mud lack food substrate to form large flocs.

3. Overloading

If the waste flow to the WWTP exceeds its design capacity, activated sludge may experience disturbances in the settling process. Causes of overloading may include:

  • Spikes in organic loads due to changes in industrial production.
  • Extreme pH fluctuations, which disrupt the balance of microorganisms in the system.
  • Increased oil and grease content, which inhibits sludge flocculation.

4. Unstable Nutritional Quality and pH

Microorganisms in activated sludge require the right balance of nutrients to grow and form good floc. This imbalance can be caused by:

  • Lack of nitrogen or phosphorus, which causes the sludge to become looser and not settle well.
  • Too high or too low a pH, which inhibits microbial activity.
  • Toxic content such as heavy metals or certain chemicals, which kills important microorganisms in activated sludge.

How to Solve the Problem of Unsettled Activated Sludge?

If the activated sludge in your WWTP is not settling properly, there are several solutions that can be applied to return the system to optimal condition:

1. Controlling the Growth of Filamentous Bacteria

If the cause is sludge bulking due to filamentous bacteria, possible solutions include:

  • Increase the F/M ratio by adjusting the incoming organic load.
  • Balancing nutrient levels (Carbon (C)/Nitrogen (N)/Phosphorus (P)) so that bacterial growth conditions are more stable.
  • Using chemicals such as chlorine or hydrogen peroxide to control excessive filamentous bacterial growth.

2. Optimization of Aeration Process

  • Make sure the aeration is not too excessive or too lacking, adjust it to the needs of the microbes.
  • Monitor Dissolved Oxygen (DO) regularly to keep it within the optimal range (1.5 – 2.5 mg/L).

3. Proper Use of Coagulants and Flocculants

  • Application of coagulants such as Poly-Aluminium Chloride (PAC) or flocculants such as anionic/cationic polymers can help improve sludge flocculation.
  • The dosage must be calculated precisely so as not to cause negative effects such as sludge pin-pointing.

4. Controlling Overloading and Waste Fluctuations

  • Install an equalization tank to level the waste load before entering the biological system.
  • Monitor and control the pH to keep it stable in the range of 6.5 – 7.5.
  • Separate oil and fat before entering the WWTP, using a grease trap or oil skimmer.

5. Adjusting Sludge Age and Wasting Rate

  • Set the sludge age to remain ideal according to the system design.
  • Periodically remove excess sludge (sludge wasting) to prevent the accumulation of inactive microorganisms.

Solving Active Sludge Problems with Indonesian Ocean Water

If you are experiencing problems with activated sludge that is not settling properly in your WWTP, Lautan Air Indonesia has a variety of solutions that can help. With over 40 years of experience in the water treatment industry, we provide:

  • Quality Chemicals: Coagulant, Flocculant, and disinfectant to help optimize the sedimentation process.
  • Consultation & Process Optimization Services: Our team of experts can analyze the cause of the problem and provide the best recommendations.
  • Control System and IoT: Online monitoring for DO, pH, TSS, and other parameters to keep the WWTP working optimally.
  • Operation & Maintenance: If you need help in WWTP operations, we also provide full maintenance and management services.

Activated sludge that does not settle properly can compromise the efficiency of the WWTP and cause effluent that does not meet environmental standards. By understanding the main causes such as sludge bulking, sludge pin-pointing, overloading, and nutrient imbalance, you can take the right steps to overcome them.

If you need an effective and sustainable solution, Lautan Air Indonesia is ready to help you. Contact us now for the best consultation and solution in managing your WWTP!