California Wastewater Treatment Operator Practice Exam

The F/M (Food to Microorganism) ratio is a crucial parameter in wastewater treatment that helps in understanding the balance between available food (organic matter) and the microorganisms responsible for treating it. In calculating the F/M ratio, the volume of the secondary clarifier is not needed because this ratio is typically based on the influent flow rate and organic loading rate to the bioreactor. The F/M ratio is not based on total suspended solids concentration, dissolved oxygen levels, or used to determine chemical dosages. It specifically focuses on the ratio of food (organic matter) to microorganisms in the treatment process.