The Seasonal Risk to Biological Treatment
Cold weather presents a predictable challenge for wastewater treatment systems, especially those with exposed aeration basins, oxidation ditches, or lagoons. As water temperatures drop—often below 12°C (54°F)—biological reaction rates slow, and ammonia removal becomes increasingly difficult.
For food processing plants, chemical manufacturers, and municipal facilities operating year-round, this creates a seasonal imbalance: influent loading remains constant, but biological capacity declines.
Why Winter Affects More Than Just Ammonia
Nitrifying bacteria are particularly sensitive to temperature, but cold conditions also affect the broader biomass responsible for organic reduction and solids control. When biological activity slows:
- Ammonia oxidation rates decrease, increasing the risk of permit violations.
- Organic loading can accumulate, leading to higher BOD, COD, and poor settling.
- Process stability declines, making systems more vulnerable to upsets and influent variability.
A Dual-Biology Approach for Cold Weather Operation
Maintaining winter performance requires supporting both nitrification and overall biological efficiency. A combined bioaugmentation strategy using MICROBE-LIFT Nitrifier and MICROBE-LIFT IND addresses these challenges together.
Role of Each Product
- MICROBE-LIFT Nitrifier: Supplements ammonia- and nitrite-oxidizing bacteria to help maintain nitrification capacity as biological reaction rates slow in cold water.
- MICROBE-LIFT IND: Supports organic reduction by breaking down proteins, FOG, VFAs, and other organics, helping stabilize biomass, improve settling, and reduce secondary stress on the nitrification process.
Why the Combination Works in Winter
Using Nitrifier and IND together helps maintain balance during cold conditions. While Nitrifier supports ammonia conversion, IND reduces the organic burden competing for oxygen and system capacity. This integrated approach helps wastewater systems operate more consistently throughout winter months.
Cold Weather Nitrification: Common Questions
Why does ammonia increase in wastewater during winter?
Lower temperatures slow bacterial metabolism. Without longer retention times or additional capacity, ammonia oxidation becomes incomplete and ammonia passes through the system.
How do facilities maintain compliance without new construction?
Many plants rely on targeted bioaugmentation to supplement biological activity during winter rather than expanding tank volume or modifying infrastructure.
Stay Compliant Through the Cold Season
Cold weather does not have to result in ammonia violations or unstable operation. By supporting both nitrification and organic reduction, facilities can maintain biological performance and protect compliance year-round using MICROBE-LIFT solutions.