During which season is it not recommended to start up trickling filters due to dormant bacteria?

Starting up trickling filters during winter is not recommended primarily due to the dormancy of bacteria that are crucial for the treatment process. The bacteria in the trickling filter system are typically less active or dormant in colder temperatures, which can significantly reduce the efficiency of the biological treatment process. Since biological treatment relies on the metabolic activity of microorganisms to break down organic matter, low temperatures can hinder their growth and function.

In contrast, during the warmer months, such as spring and summer, temperatures are more conducive to bacterial activity. In the fall, while temperatures may begin to drop, there is still an opportunity for bacteria to be active if the temperatures are not too cold. Therefore, initiating operation during winter can lead to inadequate treatment and potential issues within the wastewater treatment system, as the microorganisms may not be able to effectively process the incoming waste.