"Wisdom begins in wonder" – Socrates
Month: April 2025
Decision Matrix
04/24/25
“How can we evaluate a series of options for action implementation?”
A Decision Matrix evaluates a series of options by integrating and ranking all pertinent criteria. Each criterion is given a score multiplied by a weight based on how vital a criterion is for selecting an option and then summed to form a final decision score. The system with the highest score is selected.
Sequencing Batch Reactors (SBRs)
04/13/25
“How can we amalgamate activated sludge systems into a single tank?”
Sequencing Batch Reactors (SBR) amalgamate the functions of a conventional activated sludge system – aeration, settling, and discharge, into a single tank, processed through sequential, time-controlled steps. This tighter framework enables SBRs to take up less space than MBRs, a benefit for smaller, denser urban environments.
Image credit: encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com
Why Constructed Wetlands Have Low Operating Costs
04/12/25
“Why do constructed wetlands have lower operating costs?”
Constructed wetlands provide water treatment through passive mechanisms without relying on complex machinery and operations. These factors make constructed wetlands more affordable to build and maintain than their mechanical equivalents. This is Why Constructed Wetlands Have Low Operating Costs.
Why BOD Removal is Faster When There is More Organic Pollution
04/11/25
“Why is BOD removal faster when there is more organic pollution?”
Microorganisms digest organic pollution. The more organic pollution there is, the easier organisms can multiply and consume the substance. After more of the initial organic pollution is consumed, there is less easy food to find for the microorganisms, leading them to struggle. This is Why BOD Removal is Faster When There is More Organic Pollution.
Conventional Activated Sludge (CAS) Systems
04/10/25
“How can we filter wastewater using air and bacteria?”
Conventional Activated Sludge (CAS) Systems are a cornerstone of modern wastewater treatment technology. CAS systems are composed of two tanks, an aeration tank and a settling tank. The CAS process begins with influent wastewater pouring into the aeration tank. The aeration tank aerates (adds air or oxygen) into the wastewater to activate microorganisms already present. These microorganisms break down the organic pollutants into less harmful biomass. Over time, the microbes and the waste will clump together to form flocs. The water and flocs are then transported to the settling tank (also known as a clarifier) where the heavier flocs settle to the bottom as sludge and clear water flows out as effluent. The sludge then leaves the settling tank, where part of it is removed from the CAS (Waste Activated Sludge) while the other portion is returned to the aeration tank (Return Activated Sludge) to provide extra microorganisms to new influent water. The attached image visualizes this process.
Why Used Dishwasher Water is Considered Blackwater
04/09/25
“Why is used dishwasher water considered blackwater?”
People usually think of blackwater as fecal-contaminated wastewater. But this is only part of the definition. Blackwater also consists of any wastewater that contains heavy grease. Dishwasher water usually contains heavy grease. This is Why Used Dishwasher Water is Considered Blackwater.
Boundary Conditions
04/08/25
“Why do we sometimes have to provide constraints to solve a problem?”
Some problems in technical subjects can sometimes have an infinite number of theoretical solutions. We can apply constraints known as Boundary Conditions to limit ourselves to feasible solutions to the problem. Examples of boundary conditions can range from limiting potential well drilling to areas outside of environmentally protected zones to solving differential equations for only a certain known range.
Why Water Towers Don’t Require Electricity for Water Distribution
04/07/25
“Why don’t water towers require electricity for water distribution?”
Water towers hold water at elevated distances above ground. They can provide water to anything below using gravitational pressure. This means they don’t require electricity for pumps to provide water. This is Why Water Towers Don’t Require Electricity for Water Distribution.
Water Towers
04/06/25
“How can we create large elevated pressurized water storage systems?”
Municipal water infrastructure requires pressure and storage. One way to solve both is to build water storage at elevation. This way, water can flow down naturally when controls are released. This is the base idea behind Water Towers, a fundamental part of infrastructure all over the world. Water tower’s don’t require electricity for operation so they can work during power outages
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