What is the most accurate measure of the organisms present in an aerator for treating incoming wastes?

The most accurate measure of the organisms present in an aerator for treating incoming wastes is MLVSS, which stands for Mixed Liquor Volatile Suspended Solids. MLVSS specifically quantifies the portion of suspended solids that is composed of living microorganisms, which are crucial for the biological processes involved in wastewater treatment.

Understanding the composition of suspended solids is vital for effective aeration and treatment efficiency. Since the goal in an aeration process is to cultivate a healthy biota of microorganisms that break down organic wastes, knowing the volatile fraction helps operators determine the active biomass that is engaged in this process.

In contrast, MLSS (Mixed Liquor Suspended Solids) includes both volatile and non-volatile solids, meaning it does not differentiate between living microorganisms and inert materials. COD (Chemical Oxygen Demand) measures the total quantity of oxygen required to oxidize both biodegradable and non-biodegradable organic material in wastewater, providing insight into the overall organic load rather than the specific microbial content. Similarly, BOD (Biochemical Oxygen Demand) measures the amount of oxygen used by microorganisms to decompose organic matter but does not directly quantify the biomass present in the treatment system.

Thus, MLVSS offers the most specific and relevant insight into the