Sewage treatment plants (STPs) play a critical role in managing wastewater to protect public health and the environment. One of the essential aspects of STPs is the treatment of sewage using various physical, chemical, and biological processes. Among these, the use of bacteria is a common practice in sewage treatment plants.

In this blog, we will explore the role of bacteria in STPs and how they are used to treat sewage.

What is sewage treatment?

Sewage treatment is the process of removing contaminants from wastewater before it is discharged into the environment. The contaminants in sewage include organic matter, nutrients, pathogens, and other pollutants that can be harmful to human health and the environment. Sewage treatment typically involves several stages, including pre-treatment, primary treatment, secondary treatment, and tertiary treatment. Each stage uses a combination of physical, chemical, and biological processes to remove contaminants from the wastewater.

The role of bacteria in sewage treatment:

Bacteria play a critical role in sewage treatment as they are responsible for breaking down and decomposing organic matter in wastewater. In the primary treatment stage, bacteria are used to decompose the solid organic matter in the sewage. In the secondary treatment stage, bacteria are used to remove dissolved organic matter and nutrients, such as nitrogen and phosphorus, from the wastewater.

The bacteria used in sewage treatment belong to a group of microorganisms called aerobic and anaerobic bacteria. Aerobic bacteria require oxygen to survive and are used in the secondary treatment stage to decompose dissolved organic matter in the wastewater. Anaerobic bacteria, on the other hand, do not require oxygen and are used in the primary treatment stage to decompose solid organic matter in the sewage.

How are bacteria used in sewage treatment?

Bacteria are introduced into the sewage treatment process through various means, including:

1. Activated sludge process: In the activated sludge process, wastewater is mixed with a culture of bacteria in a large tank called an aeration tank. The bacteria break down the organic matter in the wastewater, and the resulting sludge is separated from the treated water.

2. Biofilters: Biofilters are beds of gravel or other porous material that are colonized by bacteria. The wastewater is passed through the biofilter, and the bacteria break down the organic matter in the wastewater.

3. Trickling filters: Trickling filters are similar to biofilters but use a rotating disk or a tower of packed media to provide a surface for bacteria to grow on. The wastewater is sprayed over the surface of the media, and the bacteria break down the organic matter in the wastewater.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, the use of bacteria in sewage treatment plants is an effective and efficient way to treat wastewater. The benefits of using bacteria include low operating costs, high treatment efficiency, and the potential for nutrient recovery. As we move towards sustainable development, the role of bacteria in sewage treatment will become even more critical in reducing the environmental impact of wastewater discharge. Therefore, it is essential to continue research and development in this area to further improve the efficiency and effectiveness of bacterial processes in sewage treatment plants.

To get in touch with us and to relish the benefits of our services, call us at +91-9650608473 or send an email to enquiry@netsolwater.com