Increasing the wasting rate in a wastewater treatment process will have what impact on the MLSS?

Increasing the wasting rate in a wastewater treatment process refers to the removal of excess biomass or sludge from the system. When the wasting rate is increased, more mixed liquor suspended solids (MLSS) are discharged from the treatment system.

Since MLSS is a measure of the concentration of microorganisms and solids present in the aeration tank, removing a larger quantity of this material through increased wasting directly results in a lower concentration of solids remaining in the tank. As a result, the MLSS decreases because the biomass that contributes to the MLSS is being actively removed from the system at a faster rate than it can be replenished by microbial growth.

It is important to manage the wasting rate effectively, as both insufficient and excessive wasting can affect process efficiency and the quality of the treated effluent. An optimal MLSS concentration is critical for maintaining the proper balance between microbial activity and treatment performance in wastewater treatment systems.