How is the Specific Oxygen Uptake Rate (SOUR) calculated?

The Specific Oxygen Uptake Rate (SOUR) is a crucial parameter used in wastewater treatment to evaluate the biological oxygen demand relative to the concentration of biomass in the system. It indicates how effectively the microorganisms in a biological treatment process are using oxygen.

The calculation of SOUR is based on the Oxygen Uptake Rate (OUR), which measures the amount of oxygen consumed by the biomass over a given period. To determine how efficient this oxygen consumption is in relation to the microbial mass present, the OUR is divided by the Mixed Liquor Volatile Suspended Solids (MLVSS). The MLVSS represents the concentration of the biomass that is actively metabolizing in the system. By using this formula (OUR/MLVSS), you can ascertain the oxygen uptake on a per-unit mass basis of the biomass, which provides critical insight into the metabolic activity of the microorganisms.

Therefore, the correct method for calculating SOUR utilizes both the OUR and MLVSS, reinforcing the relationship between oxygen consumption and biomass concentration. Understanding this metric is essential for assessing the performance of biological treatment systems in effectively reducing organic pollutants in wastewater.