What can often lead to the formation of brown or dark foam in a pond system?

The formation of brown or dark foam in a pond system is often linked to an incorrect food-to-microorganism (F/M) ratio. When this ratio is imbalanced, particularly if there is an excess of organic matter in relation to microorganisms, it can lead to increased microbial activity. This heightened activity can produce a surplus of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS), which contribute to foam formation.

A proper F/M ratio is vital for maintaining a healthy and effective treatment process. An imbalance can foster conditions that not only encourage foam creation but may also impact overall treatment efficiency and water quality. In this context, if organic loading becomes too high compared to the microbial population, this can result in the visible dark or brown foam due to the metabolic byproducts of these microorganisms.