Managing Aeration in the Summer: Challenges and Smart Solutions for WWTPs
As summer temperatures rise, wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) must tackle a range of seasonal challenges — especially when it comes to aeration performance. Warm weather brings lower oxygen solubility, higher microbial activity, and added stress on equipment, all of which can disrupt process stability and drive up operational costs.
For many WWTPs, finding the right balance between performance, energy efficiency, and flexibility during the summer months is critical. With the right strategies — and support from innovative solutions like Mapal’s drop-in fine bubble aeration systems — these challenges can be managed effectively.
Why Aeration Is Under Pressure in the Summer
1. Lower Oxygen Solubility
As water temperatures increase, oxygen becomes less soluble. For example, the DO saturation point drops from about 9 mg/L at 20°C to around 7.5 mg/L at 30°C. WWTPs must supply more air — and more energy — to achieve the same DO levels.
2. Increased Biological Activity
Higher temperatures boost microbial metabolism, increasing the rate at which BOD is consumed. While this can speed up treatment, it also drives up oxygen demand, putting more strain on your aeration system.
3. Risk of Filamentous Growth
Warm conditions are ideal for certain filamentous bacteria, like Nocardia or Microthrix, which can cause foaming and sludge bulking. These issues can lead to settling problems and effluent quality deterioration.
4. Equipment Strain
Blowers, motors, and compressors may overheat or operate less efficiently in hot weather, particularly if they’re already under high load or not properly maintained.
5. Odor Control Challenges
Low DO conditions in warmer weather can lead to anaerobic zones forming in tanks, increasing the risk of odor complaints — especially for facilities near residential areas.
Smart Aeration Strategies for Hot Weather
Increase DO Monitoring
Install or calibrate real-time DO sensors throughout your aeration basins. Frequent monitoring helps identify zones where oxygen levels are dropping, allowing quicker adjustments to air flow and mixing.
Optimize Blower Controls
Use variable frequency drives (VFDs) and smart control systems to dynamically adjust blower output based on demand. Fine-tuned control reduces energy waste and helps prevent over-aeration.
Inspect and Maintain Diffusers
Clean or replace clogged fine bubble diffusers, which can reduce oxygen transfer efficiency. Summer is a good time to schedule preventive maintenance, especially if your system hasn’t been serviced since winter or spring.
Plan for Supplemental Aeration
During peak summer months, even the most efficient systems can become overloaded. Temporary or supplemental aeration can help bridge the gap without requiring permanent infrastructure upgrades.
One effective option is Mapal’s rental drop-in fine bubble aeration system. Designed for fast deployment with no disruption, these modular units are ideal for managing seasonal load increases, temporary DO deficits, or process upsets. Because they don’t require draining tanks or structural changes, they offer flexibility and reliability when it’s needed most.
Why WWTPs Turn to Mapal in the Summer
WWTP operators are recognizing the value of adaptable aeration solutions for managing seasonal stress and energy costs. Mapal’s drop-in systems are:
- Highly energy efficient thanks to fine bubble diffusion
• Quick to install, requiring no downtime or basin drainage
• Available for short-term rental, offering flexibility and budget control
• Compatible with most existing tanks, including lagoons and oxidation ditches
Whether you’re preparing for heat waves, wet weather surges, or summer tourism impacts, Mapal’s aeration systems can provide a reliable safety net that boosts performance without long-term investment.
Conclusion
Summer can pose serious challenges for aeration systems — from reduced oxygen transfer to increased microbial demand. But with proactive monitoring, maintenance, and strategic supplementation, WWTPs can stay compliant, efficient, and odor-free.
Mapal’s rental drop-in aeration systems offer a smart, fast, and effective way to stay ahead of seasonal overload. Whether you need extra capacity during peak demand or want to reduce stress on existing blowers, Mapal is here to help.
Need seasonal support for your WWTP?
Contact Mapal Aeration Solutions today to learn more about our drop-in fine bubble aeration systems and how we can help optimize your plant for the summer season.