Aeration in Wastewater Treatment

Aeration is an activated sludge process, promoting microbial growth in the wastewater. The microbes then feed on organic material, forming flocs which easily settle out. Once settled in a separate settling tank, bacteria forming the "activated sludge" flocs are continually recirculated back to the aeration basin, increasing decomposition rates.

How does Aeration Work?

Aeration provides oxygen to bacteria for treating and stabilizing wastewater. Oxygen is needed by the bacteria to allow biodegradation to occur. The supplied oxygen is utilized by bacteria in the wastewater to break down the organic matter containing carbon to form carbon dioxide and water. Without the presence of sufficient oxygen, bacteria are not able to biodegrade the incoming organic matter in a reasonable time. In the absence of dissolved oxygen, degradation must occur under septic conditions that are slow, odorous, and yield incomplete conversions of pollutants. Under septic conditions, some of the biological processes convert hydrogen and sulfur to form hydrogen sulfide and transform carbon into methane. Other carbon will be converted to organic acids that create low pH conditions in the basin and make the water more difficult to treat and promote odor formation.

Why is Aeration Important for Wastewater Treatment?

Aeration is the most critical component of a treatment system using the activated sludge process. A well-designed aeration system has a direct impact on the level of wastewater treatment it achieves. An ample and evenly distributed oxygen supply in an aeration system is the key to rapid, economically-viable, and effective wastewater treatment.

Types of Aeration

Fine Bubble Diffusers:*

Energy efficient submersible aeration systems that disperse tiny air bubbles to maximize the oxygen transfer rate in wastewater treatment.

2. Coarse Bubble Diffusers:*

Maximize mixing capabilities and eliminate clogging in wastewater systems, making them suitable for high-solids industrial waste.

3. Mechanical Aeration:*

Surface agitation equipment that violently beats the wastewater surface to encourage oxygen absorption from the atmosphere.

4. Combined Aerators:*

Systems that combine both air diffusers and mechanical agitation for high-intensity aeration.

The Benefits of Wastewater Aeration treatment

The main benefit of aeration is that it uses natural microorganisms from the water to remove pollutants. The chemicals used in other treatment systems can be harmful when used in high volumes, but the aeration process uses microorganisms naturally found in wastewater.