What is the recommended solution for dealing with thick scummy dark tan foam in the aeration tank?

Wasting more sludge from the aeration tank can help to manage thick scummy dark tan foam by reducing the overall concentration of solids and organic matter that contribute to foam formation. This process helps maintain a balanced microorganisms population and can improve the system's ability to treat wastewater effectively. By only increasing the wasting gradually, say no more than 10% per day, you can avoid disturbing the biological balance too drastically while still addressing the foam issue.

Addressing foaming specifically requires some adjustment to the system to ensure that the right conditions for the biomass are maintained. In contrast, methods such as reducing aeration rates may lead to insufficient oxygen levels for the microorganisms, potentially exacerbating the problem rather than alleviating it. Introducing more sludge into the system may result in an increased concentration of solids and could worsen the foaming. The use of chemical agents to eliminate foaming might provide a temporary fix but does not address the underlying biological or operational issues that created the foam in the first place. Thus, carefully managing the waste rate is a proactive and effective approach to resolving the foam problem.