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Course Details
Course Name: Microbiology of Activated Sludge
Course Code: EO0501CA23
Date of Most Recent Offering: June 6 & 7, 2023
Course Overview
Taught by Peter Strom, Ph.D., this two-day course gives you the opportunity to discuss the workings of your treatment system with one of the experts in the field! The course focuses on practical applications to help you better understand how the activated sludge process works, with bulking and foaming receiving particular attention.
The afternoon of the second day offers a unique hands-on exercise that will apply the information presented directly to your work and facility. Using microscopes, you will examine and evaluate samples from your own treatment plant (and those from your classmates’ facilities as well) and leave with a better understanding of methods of troubleshooting and process improvement.
Who Should Attend?
This class is a great source of information for anyone who works at a treatment plant that utilizes activated sludge to treat sewage or industrial wastewater. Past participants have included:
- Bio Solids/Energy Supervisors
- Engineers
- Lab Lead Analysts
- Lab Technicians
- Lead Plant Operators
- Plant Operations Supervisors
- Process Control Supervisors
- Project Managers
- Senior Maintenance Technicians
- Utilities Operators
- Wastewater Operators
- Water and Sewer Directors
Meet Your Instructors

Peter Strom, Ph.D.
Dr. Strom is a Professor Emeritus in the Department of Environmental Sciences School of Environmental and Biological Sciences at Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey. Dr. Strom’s research has focused on the microbial ecology of the biological treatment of wastes. This has included work on activated sludge and rotating biological contactors (RBCs) for wastewaters, nitrification in wastewater treatment, and much more. He has also worked on surface water pollution issues and stormwater characterization.

Craig D. Phelps, Ph.D.
Dr. Phelps is an Associate Teaching Professor in the Department of Environmental Sciences School of Environmental and Biological Sciences at Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey.
Student Reviews
“I enjoyed the course and gathered some useful information to take back to my team.”
– Past Participant
“[I] Learned a lot of great information about activated sludge and I look forward to taking more classes at Rutgers.”
– Past Participant
“[I learned] How to look under the microscope and key in on all the bacteria and organisms.”
– Past Participant
Continuing Education Credits
The most recent offering of Microbiology of Activated Sludge was approved for 1.2 Rutgers CEUs as well as the following credits from professional organizations. We will reapply for similar credits the next time the course runs, but we cannot guarantee credit approval for future offerings.
New Jersey
NJ Certified Public Works Managers (CPWM): 12 Technical Contact Hours
NJ Professional Engineers: 12 Continuing Professional Competency (CPC) Credits
NJ Wastewater Operators ONLY: 12 TCHs (Approval #01-010108-20)
Pennsylvania
PA Wastewater Operators ONLY: 12 Recert Hours
Meals
No breakfast will be provided. Lunch will be available for pre-registered attendees only.
NOTE: If you have any dietary restrictions or food allergies, please alert us at least one (1) week in advance of the course start date so that we can make reasonable accommodations. We cannot guarantee accommodations for special requests made after that time.
Attention U.S. Veterans

This course is approved by the New Jersey State Approving Agency for Veterans Training for educational benefits through the GI Bill®. Learn more.
GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government website at http://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.
Program Questions? We’re Here to Help!
If you have any questions about Microbiology of Activated Sludge, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us.

Assistant Director: Carol Broccoli
848-932-7207
carolbr@njaes.rutgers.edu

Administrative Assistant: Claudine Oleskin
848-932-7204
coleskin@njaes.rutgers.edu
For registration assistance, please contact our Registration Department at 848-932-9271, option 2 or email registration@njaes.rutgers.edu.