Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator study plan

Draw the activated sludge flow scheme from memory and label aeration tank, clarifier, return sludge, and waste sludge streams

Calculate F/M ratio, MCRT (SRT), and return sludge rate for at least 15 practice problems, showing unit conversions

State target ranges and the corrective action for low DO, low MLSS, high SVI, filamentous bulking, and foaming

Explain how a change in wasting rate shifts MCRT and what effect that has on effluent quality

Calculate hydraulic and organic loading on a trickling filter and explain the purpose of recirculation

Compare operating strategies for facultative, aerated, and polishing lagoons, including mixing and stratification control

Describe the conditions required for nitrification, denitrification, and biological phosphorus removal and the recycle streams each creates

Given a set of MLSS, DO, ammonia, and nitrate results, select and justify one process adjustment

Sequence screening, grit removal, and primary sedimentation and state the failure mode each unit prevents downstream

Calculate detention time, surface overflow rate, and weir loading for a primary clarifier at two different flows

Compute grit removal efficiency and screen headloss from given data

Diagnose short-circuiting, septic odors, and solids carryover in a primary clarifier and name the first corrective step for each

Compare gravity thickening, dissolved air flotation, and centrifuge thickening by typical feed solids, capture rate, and operating constraint

Calculate volatile solids loading and volatile solids reduction for an anaerobic digester

List the monitoring parameters that show a digester turning sour and state the response for each

Compute dewatered cake percent solids and dry tons hauled for a worked example

Describe the common biosolids reuse and disposal pathways and the stability requirement attached to each

Apply the pounds formula to convert between mg/L, MGD, lb/day, and percent solids across 20 mixed problems

Interpret given BOD, TSS, ammonia, and phosphorus bench data and flag results that look analytically suspect

Choose between grab and composite sampling and describe chain-of-custody and preservation steps for each sample type

Plot a control chart or trend log from supplied data and identify the point at which the process goes out of control

Calculate wet well volume, pump cycle time, and pumping rate from given level and flow data

Identify the main infiltration and inflow sources and outline a flow-monitoring plan to quantify each

State the immediate response and notification steps for an SSO or CSO

Compare chlorine, UV, and ozone disinfection by dose or intensity requirement, contact time, and key interference

Calculate chlorine dose and CT for a given flow, residual, and contact basin volume

Describe the filter backwash sequence and calculate filtration loading rate for a given flow and bed area

Explain membrane flux, fouling mechanisms, and the difference between physical and chemical cleaning

List the process steps and monitoring points used to meet a nutrient polishing limit

Identify confined space hazards and sequence the entry permit, atmospheric testing, ventilation, and attendant duties

Select correct PPE and state the atmospheric limits for hydrogen sulfide, methane, and oxygen deficiency

Diagnose common pump, blower, and instrument faults from written symptom lists and name the confirming check for each

Outline calibration intervals and maintenance recordkeeping for critical flow, level, and residual instruments

Summarize NPDES permit obligations, DMR submission, and records retention requirements

Take two full-length timed practice exams and rework every missed item until each is explained correctly in writing