Is leathery brown foam a sign of low or high solids concentration?

Leathery brown foam is a sign of high solids concentration in a wastewater treatment process. This type of foam can be indicative of a biological process where there is an excess of organic material and microbial activity. When solids concentration is high, microbial populations can thrive, leading to the production of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) that contribute to the formation of this characteristic foam.

In the context of wastewater treatment, observing leathery brown foam is important as it indicates the presence of trapped solids and potential issues with settling, which could affect the efficiency of the treatment process. High solids concentration can influence processes like activated sludge or anaerobic digestion and is associated with fluctuations in system performance and water quality. Thus, identifying and managing the solids concentration is critical for maintaining optimal treatment conditions.