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A Focus on Aerobic Treatment in Aerated Stabilization Basins (ASBs)

There are 2 major types of systems used for wastewater treatment: aerobic and anaerobic systems....

A Focus on Anaerobic Treatment

There are 2 major types of systems used for wastewater treatment: aerobic and anaerobic systems. Each has different uses along with pros and cons. This particular article focuses on anaerobic treatment. Aerobic treatment is the focus of a companion article written by EBS.

Anaerobic Treatment

Anaerobic treatment is a process where wastewater or material is broken down by microorganisms without the aid of dissolved oxygen. However, anaerobic bacteria can and will use oxygen that is found in the oxides introduced into the system or they can obtain it from organic material within the wastewater. Anaerobic systems are used in many industrial systems including food production and municipal sewage treatment systems.

Anaerobic digestion is commonly used to treat sludges in the first areas of a wastewater treatment plant. This process is popular because it is able to stabilize the water with little biomass production. Anaerobic treatment occurs in many different stages. The key microorganisms are methane formers and acid formers. The acid formers are microorganisms that create various acids from the sludge. Methane formers convert the acids into methane.

The two main anaerobic systems are batch systems and continuous systems. In a batch system, the biomass is added into a reactor that is sealed for the rest of the digestion process. This is the simplest form of anaerobic treatment but can have odor issues associated with it. As the most simple, it is also one of the least expensive ways to achieve treatment.

A continuous system has organic matter constantly added to the treatment system. Since it is continuously being fed, there is a need for the byproduct to continuously be removed. The byproduct can result in a constant source of biogas, which can be used as an alternative source for energy. This system is usually more expensive to operate because of the need for constant monitoring and manpower.

Biogas is produced as the bacteria feed off the biodegradable material in the anaerobic process. The majority of the biogas produced is methane and carbon dioxide. These gases can be stored and used for energy production. The methane in the biogas can be burned to produce heat and electricity. The heat and electricity can be used to aid the process of the anaerobic system by providing power and heat for digestion to occur.

Biogas can also be used as an alternative source for fuel. This has received a lot of attention due to the ever-rising cost of burning fossil fuels. To produce fuel, the biogas must be treated to reduce or eliminate hydrogen sulfide. The treatment may become expensive but is necessary because the EPA has strict limits on the amount of hydrogen sulfide released into the atmosphere.

Whether it is aerobic or anaerobic treatment, each treatment system has its place in the world today. They are very different in the process but both are used to achieve maximum degradation while meeting the strict regulations set by the environmental agencies that regulate what is released into the air, ground, or water.

This article is multi-part

Aerobic vs. Anaerobic Treatment in Wastewater Systems: Part 1

Concern or Curiosity?

Part 2 – Thiothrix and Type 021N

Mike Foster, Principal Consultant – Environmental Business Specialists, LLC
Paul Klopping, Principal Consultant – Callan & Brooks

In part one of this series, we discussed the differences between activated sludge and aerated stabilization basins (ASBs) with regard to filamentous bacteria and filamentous bulking. We also talked about one of the most common filaments found in ASBs, Haliscomenobacter hydrossis. In this article, we will discuss three other filament species found in aerated stabilization basins – Type 021N, Thiothrix, Beggiatoa.

These three filaments all share a common metabolic trait – mixotrophy. These organisms can grow on a number of organic compounds heterotrophically, but also may gain energy for growth from the simultaneous oxidation of inorganic, reduced sulfur compounds (e. g. H2S). Thus the presence of reduced sulfur compounds in wastes being treated may give these filamentous organisms a growth advantage over other strictly heterotrophic organisms (i.e. floc formers). It should be noted that actual energy capture from sulfur oxidation has not been vigorously proven, as yet, and that true autotrophy does not occur, as organic carbon compounds are always required for growth.