Biological wastewater treatment looks like a simple process because it uses natural processes to help with the decomposition of organic substances. However, it’s actually quite complex.
Biological wastewater treatments rely on bacteria and other small organisms to break down organic wastes via their normal cellular processes. Wastewater contains a ton of organic matter, such as garbage, wastes, and partially digested foods that these bacteria and other small organisms love to feast on.
The goal of biological wastewater treatments is to make the disposal of decomposition matter easier. These types of biological wastewater treatments are used worldwide because they are effective and economical.
What Type of Biology is Wastewater Treatment?
Biological wastewater treatments are usually divided into two categories: anaerobic and aerobic processes. Anaerobic describes biological processes where oxygen is absent, and aerobic refers to processes where oxygen is present.
Anaerobic Wastewater Biology Treatment
Anaerobic wastewater treatments use bacteria to help decompose organic matter in an oxygen-free environment. What’s cool about anaerobic digestion is that it results in energy recovery, also known as waste to energy. Anaerobic wastewater treatments produce biogas composed primarily of methane. The biogas can then be used to generate energy to help fuel operations.
Aerobic Wastewater Biology Treatment
Aerobic wastewater treatments include simple septic tanks and oxidation ditches, activated sludge, pond, and lagoon-based treatments, etc. In aerobic wastewater treatments aeration systems can be used to provide oxygen to the bacteria and other organisms to aid them as they decompose organic substances in the wastewater.
Wastewater treatments are often used as a secondary treatment process to remove the remaining material after the primary treatment process is complete. The primary wastewater treatment removes sediments and substances like oil from the wastewater.
The type of wastewater treatment, aerobic or anaerobic, depends on a wide range of factors, including compliance with environmental regulations. Wastewater treatments are often supplemented with additional treatment stages, including chlorination and UV treatment, as well as a range of filtration options.
Wastewater treatments continue to evolve in ways that make them more effective and efficient. Contact In-Pipe Technology for information on what type of biological wastewater treatment options are available for you.