An entire range of anaerobic wastewater treatment technologies
In the absence of oxygen, many groups of anaerobic microorganisms work together to decompose organic matter. The microbiology behind the process is more complex and delicate than that of aerobic processes, where most bacteria “work” individually. It is the main reason why anaerobic systems require greater control and monitoring in order to perform efficiently.
This type of treatment is very effective in the removal of biodegradable organic compounds. It is especially suitable for organic wastes and wastewater streams which are highly loaded with organic contaminants. It effectively converts them to mostly methane gas and carbon dioxide, with very little excess sludge generation. Although the process leaves some organic pollution unremoved and cannot provide the level of effluent quality achievable with aerobic treatment, the significantly lower excess sludge production and valuable renewable energy generation in the form of biogas, are the reasons why it has become the favored approach to many industrial wastes and wastewater applications.
Wastewaters streams from food and beverage production, biofuels production, pulp and paper mills, and from the chemical industry, are highly-loaded with organic pollutants and can be treated advantageously by the means of various anaerobic processes.