A stiff white foam on the aeration basin when starting a new facility indicates what issue?

The presence of stiff white foam on the aeration basin during the startup of a new facility typically indicates insufficient biomass. In the context of wastewater treatment, biomass refers to the population of microorganisms responsible for breaking down organic matter. When there is not enough biomass present, the treatment process can become inefficient. The foam can result from the presence of surfactants or high concentrations of solids in the wastewater, which may not be adequately digested without sufficient microbial activity.

While excessive nutrients, high oxygen levels, or inadequate aeration capacity could potentially contribute to aeration issues, they would not lead directly to the formation of a stiff white foam in the same way. Excessive nutrients may actually encourage growth but could also lead to other forms of foam if not managed properly. High oxygen levels generally support aerobic microbial activity which is desirable in an aeration basin. Inadequate aeration capacity might lead to poor oxygenation but wouldn't necessarily cause the specific manifestation of stiff white foam. Therefore, recognizing insufficient biomass is critical for addressing issues related to foam formation and improving the efficiency of the aeration process.