Water and Wastewater Terms Beginning S

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W Y Z

schmutzdecke (shmoots-DECK-ee)

A layer of trapped matter at the surface of a slow sand filter in which a dense population of microorganisms develops. These microorganisms within the film or mat feed on and break down incoming organic material trapped in the mat. In doing so, the microorganisms both remove organic matter and add mass to the mat, further developing the mat and increasing the physical straining action of the mat.