All wastewater treatment plants in Kuwait utilize the activated sludge processes in the removal of organic matter and nutrients from domestic sewage. The efficiency of solid liquid separation in the activated sludge system is determined by the ability of sludge constituents to remain flocculated and to settle fast. In Kuwait's wastewater treatment plants, solids separation problems may occur in activated sludge system, such as bulking sludge, which affects the quality of the secondary effluent.

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... The main aim of this paper is to study and analyze sludge settling and rising behavior in the activated sludge process of Jahra sewage treatment plant. The results indicated that clarifier effluent has significant suspended solids carry-over, which is eventually removed in the sand filtration process. In addition, test results showed poor settlement of clarifier sludge. The poor sludge settling is related to insufficient oxygen level in the aerators. Suggestions were made to raise oxygen level particularly in the aeration unit.