5 Types of Aerobic Wastewater Treatment Systems

Wastewater treatment is necessary to safely dispose of wastewater from homes, industries, and other sources. Aerobic wastewater treatment systems are among the most popular methods of wastewater treatment. These systems use aerobic microorganisms to break down and remove organic matter and other pollutants from wastewater.

This article will discuss the types of aerobic treatment systems and their uses.

1. Activated Sludge System

An activated sludge system is one of the most common aerobic treatment systems. It consists of aeration tanks with wastewater mixed with activated sludge containing aerobic microorganisms. The microorganisms use oxygen to break down organic matter and other pollutants in the wastewater. The effluent is then separated from the sludge in a clarifier and discharged.

2. Moving Bed Biofilm Reactor (MBBR)

A moving Bed Biofilm Reactor (MBBR) is an aerobic wastewater treatment system that uses biofilm carriers to provide a large surface area for microbial growth. The biofilm carriers move freely within a reactor tank, allowing for the continuous mixing of wastewater and microorganisms. The microorganisms attach themselves to the surface of the biofilm carriers and break down organic matter and other pollutants in the wastewater.

3. Sequencing Batch Reactor (SBR)

A sequencing Batch Reactor (SBR) is an aerobic wastewater treatment system that uses a single reactor tank for all treatment stages. The system operates on a batch basis, where wastewater is added to the reactor tank, treated, and discharged in batches. The treatment stages include aeration, settling, and decanting.

4. Membrane Bioreactor (MBR)

Membrane Bioreactor (MBR) is an aerobic wastewater treatment system that uses a membrane to separate microorganisms from treated wastewater. The technique combines activated sludge treatment with membrane filtration to produce high-quality effluent that meets strict discharge standards. MBR systems are compact and require less space than aerobic wastewater treatment systems.

5. Aerated Lagoon

An aerated lagoon is an aerobic wastewater treatment system that uses a shallow pond or lagoon. The system uses mechanical or diffused aeration to provide oxygen for aerobic microorganisms to break down pollutants in the wastewater. The effluent is then discharged from the lagoon. Aerated lagoons are also cost-effective and require less maintenance than other types of aerobic wastewater treatment systems.

The Importance of Aerobic Wastewater Treatment Systems

One of the primary benefits of aerobic wastewater treatment systems is their ability to remove harmful pollutants from wastewater. These systems use a combination of physical, chemical, and biological processes to break down organic matter, remove nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus, and kill harmful bacteria and viruses.

Aerobic treatment systems are also highly efficient, producing high-quality, treated water that can be safely discharged into the environment. In some cases, treated water can be reused  for irrigation, industrial processes, or even drinking water. Reusing treated wastewater can reduce the demand for freshwater resources, making it a sustainable solution for water management.

Another benefit of aerobic wastewater treatment systems is their flexibility. These systems can be designed to handle a range of wastewater volumes and compositions, making them suitable for various applications, from small residential systems to extensive industrial facilities.

As our population and industrial activity continue to grow, the importance of these systems will only increase, making them a necessary component of sustainable water management.

Conclusion

Aerobic wastewater treatment systems are an effective and efficient treatment method. Each system has its unique features and applications, and the choice of system depends on the specific wastewater treatment requirements.

Alternative Septic Management, Inc. is a reliable and trustworthy provider of alternative septic services for aerobic treatment systems. Our team of experts is committed to finding the best solutions for your needs in maintaining or repairing aerobic treatment systems. Contact us today to schedule a consultation to help you maintain a healthy and functioning septic system.