Among the most effective techniques used for the removal of organic pollutants, biological treatment stands out. So, what is the biological treatment?
Biological treatment can be defined as the process in which bacteria break down organic substances present in wastewater, whether in suspension or dissolved, and transform them into s
settleable biological flocs, converting the liquid into stable inorganic compounds that do not escape to the atmosphere. Biological treatment systems can be categorized into different types.
Depending on the availability of oxygen in the environment, biological treatment systems are classified as Aerobic and Anaerobic. Additionally, they can be categorized as Suspended Growth and Biofilm processes based on the condition of microorganisms used in the system. Factors affecting the bacterial performance in the system include increased capacity, growth of unwanted species, salinity, high levels of fats, varying air temperatures, and the uncontrolled entry of toxic substances or petrochemical-heavy organics into the treatment facility.
Biological treatment involves treating wastewater generated due to the significantly increasing water consumption in today’s world, before releasing it into the environment. With population growth and urbanization, industrial activities have intensified in many cities. Consequently, water consumption has also risen. Alongside this, the increase in industrial activities and intensified water usage in facilities lead to a larger amount of polluted wastewater being discharged into nature.
Therefore, the purification of wastewater through a specific treatment process to eliminate pollution becomes essential. Subsequently, it can be safely released into the environment. The route to achieving this often involves establishing a biological treatment facility, utilizing various biological water treatment methods. The process of separating solid and liquid substances from water to release clean water into water sources is technically demanding.
Through the biological treatment process, dissolved organic substances present in water are broken down, resulting in cleaner water. Biological treatment methods can expedite the rapid degradation of pollutants in the environment. Consequently, water can be purified using these methods, allowing clean water to be returned to nature and contributing to establishing healthy water sources for recycling.
What is the Purpose of Biological Water Treatment?
The fundamental goal of biological water treatment is to separate and remove pollutants present in wastewater through scientific methods by converting them into heavier, precipitated forms. Particularly in regions with agricultural activities, the contamination of groundwater due to the infiltration of fertilizers and chemicals used in farming practices can pose significant threats to public health. As a result, biological treatment holds great importance in domestic wastewater and wastewater generated from industrial and agricultural activities.
The detoxification of pesticides found in agricultural chemicals used to combat harmful organisms in agricultural practices, and the separation of phosphorus or nitrogen from fertilizers are crucial tasks in agricultural operations. The introduction of gases or chemicals like these into the environment through water is hazardous for all species. Contamination of drinking water sources, rivers, lakes, or seas can significantly jeopardize the safety of water resources.
Especially for industrial wastewater resulting from industrial activities, specialized multi-stage treatment systems are developed. The discharge of water used in various industrial processes directly into the environment is risky. Therefore, establishing nearby biological treatment facilities for industrial complexes and subjecting industrial water to these facilities for purification is essential. This way, water can be released into the environment in a clean state.
