Microbiology of Activated Sludge

Improve your understanding of the activated sludge process and learn how to correct issues such as bulking and foaming. Includes hands-on lab activities!

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Tank or reservoir for biological purification and cleaning of dirty sewage water by activated sludge

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We do not have an offering of this course scheduled at this time. Please join our email list to be notified when the next offering is scheduled!

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Course Details

Course Name: Microbiology of Activated Sludge
Course Code: EO0501CA23
Date of Most Recent Offering: June 6 & 7, 2023

Date: June 6 & 7, 2023
Time: 8:30 am – 3:45 pm (Check-in time on Day 1: 8:00 am)

Location: Environmental & Natural Resource Building, 14 College Farm Rd., New Brunswick, NJ 08901 (Directions & Map)
Format: Classroom course with hands-on activities

Registration Fee: $350 per person
Multi Person Discount Fee: $320 per person (Save when you sign up with a colleague!)

Registration Closes: June 2, 2023 at 3:00pm

Paying with a check, money order, or purchase order?
Payments should be made out to: Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey
Checks and money orders should be mailed to: Office of Continuing Professional Education, Attn: Registration Dept., 102 Ryders Ln, New Brunswick, NJ 08901-8519
Purchase Orders can be mailed to the address above or electronically sent to registration@njaes.rutgers.edu.

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

Headshot of instructor Peter Strom

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.

Headshot of instructor Craig Phelps

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.

The Microbiology of Activated Sludge course is approved for 1.2 Rutgers CEUs, as well as the following credits from professional organizations.

State of New Jersey map iconNew 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)

State of Pennsylvania map iconPennsylvania

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.

Course Requirements and Policies

Manual on the Causes and Control of Activated Sludge Bulking and Foaming – This suggested book can be purchased on Amazon.

coronavirus icon COVID-19 Mask & Vaccination Policies for Face-to-Face Classes

Registrants attending OCPE events are not currently required to wear face masks or provide proof of vaccination.

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To continue to protect yourself and others:

  • Masks are welcome.
  • If you have symptoms, testing is encouraged.
  • If you feel unwell, please recover at home. Contact us to cancel your registration at 848-932-9271, option 2 or registration@njaes.rutgers.edu.

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Pre-registration is required. We’re sorry, but we cannot guarantee a seat, materials, or meals for walk-in registrants.

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Location is subject to change; registrants will be notified in the event of a change.

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All visitors must register their vehicles ONLINE to park on campus. Please follow the guidelines below. Failure to comply with these policies may result in a citation.

  • A link to register your vehicle will be provided in your course confirmation email. Please be sure to complete this important step prior to traveling to campus.
  • When you park on campus, be sure that your license plate is unobstructed and visible from the driving aisle.
  • All Rutgers faculty/staff/students must use their regular Rutgers permit and park in the nearest lot assigned for their permit type.

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A unique email address is required for each registrant to register and access our courses.

  • If this is your first time registering with us, please provide your own unique email address when registering; do not provide an email address that you share with co-workers.
  • If you have previously taken classes with us and have used an email address that you share with your co-workers or supervisor, your account must be updated with a unique email address. To do this, please send an email to us at registration@njaes.rutgers.edu stating that your email address needs to be changed and include:
    • Your full name
    • The shared email address that needs to be changed
    • Your unique email address
    • A phone number where you can be reached if we have any questions

x icon with circle around itCancellations and Substitutions

A $75 cancellation fee applies for this course. Substitutions are permitted. View our cancellation policy.

Attention U.S. Veterans

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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.

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

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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.

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Industrial Wastewater Treatment

Wastewater discharged from the industrial sewage pipe

Discharge Monitoring Reports

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