The water is pumped through an effluent chlorination basin to remove any harmful chemicals before it is discharged into the stream.
The solids (also known as sludge) removed from the water are pumped to a sludge digester for further treatment. They are then pumped into a drying bed. After spending a required amount of time in the drying beds, the biosolids are tested and used as fertilizer on local farm lands for crops.
Functions of the Process
- Removal of carbonaceous organic material
- Oxidation of ammonia to nitrate
- Removal of nitrate
- Removal of phosphorus
Operational Controls
- Controlling the oxygen level
- Controlling the rate that activated solids are returned to the aeration basins
- Controlling the rate that solids are withdrawn from the process