High mixed liquor suspended solids (MLSS) values in effluents are often related to excessive solids generation due to an increase in BOD (Biochemical Oxygen Demand) loading or can indicate problems with the biomass like nutrient deficiency or bulking sludge. High MLSS values can also be attributed to high flows or insufficient settling times.
After the mixed liquor suspended solids value is determined a mixed liquor volatile suspended solids (MLVSS) test may be performed in order to determine the concentration of volatile suspended solids in the aeration basin of an activated sludge system. Mixed liquor volatile suspended solids data is critical in determining the operational behavior and biological inventory of the system. The filter used for mixed liquor suspended solids (MLSS) testing is ignited at 550 °C for 30 minutes. The weight lost on ignition of the solids represents the volatile solids in the sample.
Please contact Environmental Business Specialists at 985-674-0660 for complete procedures.