AERATION

A secondary wastewater treatment method

A unit process in which air and water are brought to intimate contact
It is used in an activated sludge process, which promotes the microbial growth
The microbes feed on the organic material, forming flocs which can easily settle
out
After settling, bacteria forming the activated sludge flocs are continually
recirculated back to the aeration basin to increase the rate of decomposition.

Uses in water treatment

To reduce the concentration of taste and odour producing substances and certain
volatile organic compounds
To partially remove those substances that may interfere with or add to the cost of
subsequent water treatment
To add oxygen to water for oxidation of iron, manganese, hydrogen sulfide and
some organic matter
To add carbon dioxide for recarbonation of excess lime in softened water and for
assistance in hydrogen sulfide removal

Methods

Air to Water (Air Diffusion Aerators) air is diffused into a receiving vessel
containing counter-current flowing water, creating very small air bubbles
Water to Air (Waterfall Aerators) - water is broken up into small droplets or a thin
film to enhance countercurrent air contact

How does it work?

It provides oxygen to bacteria for treating and stabilizing the wastewater

The supplied oxygen is utilized by bacteria to breakdown organic matter
Without dissolved oxygen, biodegradation of matter is a very slow biological
process

Importance

It 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