Karl Imhoff was the driving force in the development and invention of the technical apparatuses and methods of
sewage treatment (the
trickling - and
activated sludge process). Imhoff provided not only significant technical innovations, but also design rules derived from experience in the operation of
sewage treatment plants. He wrote a book
Handbook of Urban Drainage in 1906, which today is released in new editions. In its 100-year history, the book has been translated 40 times. It has appeared in a total of 20 languages. From 1906 Imhoff was the
Emscher Society served as head of the Office wastewater. 1907, where he developed the
Emscher fountain with an
anaerobic sludge treatment. From 1922 to 1934, Imhoff was managing director of the
Ruhrverband, where he planned five
Ruhr dams, until he was replaced by the Nazis. On May 10, 1948 on his initiative and to the Director of the Ruhr Association,
Max Prüss, the
Wastewater Technical Association. Founded eV (ATV) in Düsseldorf Imhoff was at that time in Germany, the largest capacity for wastewater treatment. == Honours ==