Education
Wastewater Education and Definitions
We hope you find the following information helpful to understand your on-site wastewater system better. Please explore the links below and give us a call if you have any questions. We are happy to assist you with your wastewater treatment needs.
Wastewater Treatment Definitions
Definitions:
BOD5
- Quantitative measure of the amount of O2 consumed by bacteria while stabilizing, digesting, or treating biodegradable organic matter under aerobic conditions over a 5-day incubation period; expressed in milligrams per liter.
Effluent
- Liquid flowing from a component or device. In our case, a septic tank to a drain field.
Aerobic
- Having molecular oxygen as a part of the environment or a biological process that occurs only in the presence of molecular O2.
ATU
- Aerobic treatment Unit that utilizes O2 to degrade or decompose wastewater, with or without mechanical means.
Anaerobic
- Absence of molecular O2 as part of the environment or a biological process that occurs in the absence of molecular oxygen.
FOG
- (Fats, Oils, and Grease) - Constituent of sewage typically originating from foodstuffs or consisting of compounds of alcohol or glycerol w/ fatty acids (soaps).
Ponding
- Accumulation of liquid on an infiltrative surface, i.e., liquid accumulating on top of a drain field.
Sludge - Accumulated solids and associated entrained water within a pretreatment component, generated during the biological, physical, or chemical treatment; coagulation; or clarification of wastewater.
High-Strength Wastewater
- Influent having BOD5 greater than 300 mg/L and/or TSS greater than 200 mg/L, and/or fats, oils, and grease greater than 50 mg/L entering a pretreatment component.
Residential Wastewater Strength - Effluent from a septic tank with a BOD5 of less than or equal to 170 mg/L; TSS less than or equal to 60 mg/L, and
fats, oils, and grease less than or equal to 25 mg/L.
Aerobic vs. Anaerobic Systems
Aerobic bacteria live and multiply in the presence of free oxygen. Facultative bacteria always achieve an aerobic state when oxygen is present. While the name “aerobic” implies breathing air, dissolved oxygen is the primary source of energy for aerobic bacteria. The metabolism of aerobes is much higher than for anaerobes. This increase means that 90% fewer organisms are needed compared to the anaerobic process or that treatment is accomplished in 90% less time. This provides a number of advantages, including a higher percentage of organic removal.
The byproducts of aerobic bacteria are carbon dioxide and water. Aerobic bacteria live in colonial structures called floc and are kept in suspension by the mechanical action used to introduce oxygen into the wastewater. This mechanical action exposes the floc to the organic material while treatment takes place. Following digestion, a gravity clarifier separates and settles out the floc. Because of the mechanical nature of the aerobic digestion process, maintenance and operator oversight are required.