By Prof. Bob Andoh

Across the United States, wastewater treatment plant operators face a common problem that threatens the effectiveness of their plants. It’s grit. Grit erodes mechanical equipment and accumulates in channels and process chambers causing capacity and operational problems. Grit accumulation in primary and secondary process basins diminishes a plant’s performance, reduces its treatment capacity, and increases operational and maintenance costs. Grit is a continuous and common problem, which impacts treatment plants worldwide. However, the solution which will most effectively remove it can vary by plant.