What does the acronym SOUR stand for?

The acronym SOUR stands for Specific Oxygen Uptake Rate. This term is critical in the field of wastewater treatment, as it measures the rate at which microorganisms consume oxygen while degrading organic matter. It is typically expressed in milligrams of oxygen consumed per gram of biomass per hour. Understanding the SOUR is essential for evaluating the biological activity of the treatment process and ensuring that the microbes are effectively breaking down pollutants in the wastewater.

This metric can help plant operators assess the health and efficiency of the biological treatment system. A higher SOUR indicates a more active microbial population, which is desirable for effective waste treatment. In contrast, other options may reference processes related to oxygen dynamics but do not accurately define the acronym SOUR or its application within wastewater treatment.