THE UNIVERSITY OF DODOMA

COLLEGE OF EARTH SCIENCES AND ENGINEERING

DEPARTMENT OF MINING AND MINERAL PROCESSING ENGINEERING

COURSE NAME: MINE ENVIRONMENT

COURSE CODE: MN 427

COURSE TUTOR: Dr. JOHN RUGARABAMU

DATE OF SUBMISSION: 02, May,2023

ASSIGNMENT: 01

GROUP NO 4

S/ NAME REGISTRATION NUMBER SIGNATURE

NO
1 EMMANUEL J MASANGWA T/UDOM/2020/07302
2 AIDANIUS BARTAZAR T/UDOM/2020/01008
3 JOHNSON NYAMONGE T/UDOM/2020/07314
4 MARTINA PETER MWITA T/UDOM/2020/00992
5 SALIMBA JIBUNGE T/UDOM/2020/00463
6 FOCUS MALEMBO T/UDOM/2019/01594
7 JULIANA ALPHONCE T/UDOM/2020/07315
8 ABDULRAHIM TAM T/UDOM/2020/01003
 WASTE WATER TREATMENT

INTRODUCTION
Wastewater: any water that has been affected by human use and is typically categorized as
either domestic, industrial, or agricultural wastewater. Treatment processes are crucial to
remove pollutants before it’s released back into environment.

It’s a matter of caring for our environment and for our own health, health concerns, wildlife
habitats, and fisheries are among the reasons of keeping water clean.

Wastewater treatment: the removal of impurities from waste water before it reaches aquifers
or natural bodies of water such as rivers, lakes, estuaries, and oceans.

The major aim of wastewater treatment is to remove as much of the suspended solids as
possible before the remaining water, called effluent is discharged back to the environment,
because as solids material decays, it uses up oxygen which is needed by the plants and animal
living in the water.

Wastewater treatment methods

i. Primary method: wastewater treatment method typically involves physical processes

like sedimentation and filtration to remove suspended solids and pollutants from the
wastewater. Primary treatment removes about 60 percent of suspended solids from
wastewater, also involves aerating (stirring up) the wastewater to put oxygen back in
it.
Oxygen reintroduced because it helps to stimulate the growth of aerobic bacteria,
which then break down organic matter in the water. This process is crucial for
removing pollutants and making the water safer for the environment.
ii. Secondary method: wastewater treatment method involves further treating the
wastewater after primary treatment to remove remaining organic matter and
suspended solids. Secondary treatment removes more than 90 percent of suspended
solids, and often done through biological processes, such as activated sludge or
biofilm reactors, where microorganism break down organic pollutants. Secondary
wastewater treatment method may include processes like filtration or disinfection to
further purify the water before discharge.
 Biological treatment transform (oxidize) dissolved and particulate biodegradable
constituents into acceptable end products, capture and incorporate suspended and non-
settable colloidal solids into a biological floc or biofilm, transform or remove
nutrients, such as nitrogen and phosphorous, and in some cases, remove specific trace
organic constituents and compound.
iii. Tertiary method: final stage of treatment process, aimed at further polishing the water
to meet specific quality standards. It typically involves advanced processes such as
filtration (e.g. sand, membrane, or granular media filtration), disinfection (e.g.
chlorination, UV irradiation, or ozonation), and nutrient removal (e.g. phosphorous
and nitrogen removal) to ensure the water is safe for reuse or discharge into the
environment.

PRIMARY WASTE WATER TREATMENT

1. SEDIMENTATION METHOD
The process of removing sediments and tiny particles from water is called sedimentation.
When the water is calm, gravity will draw the heavier sediments down to form a sludge layer,
which is how this process normally occurs (RL, 2004). Water is frequently treated by
sedimentation. It is a procedure used to get rid of materials that sink and float in water. Larger
solids are removed from the process by the use of sedimentation tanks. Sedimentation may be
followed by further treatment procedures. Comprehending the role sedimentation plays in the
purification of wastewater and drinking water is critical. The weight and size of the particles
determine how effective they are. Lighter particles settle while suspended solids with a
specific gravity close to that of water stay suspended. Tanks of different forms are typically
used for the sedimentation process in wastewater treatment.

HOW SEDIMENTATION WATER TREATMENT WORKS

Sedimentation in water treatment involves allowing suspended particles in water to settle out
under the influence of gravity. This settling leads to the formation of sediment or sludge,
which can then be separated from the liquid.
Figure 1:Sedimentation process

Key steps of the sedimentation process

1. Particle Settlement: Suspended particles in the water gradually settle down due to
gravity. Gravity plays a crucial role in sedimentation by pulling particles downward
towards the bottom of the tank. The settling velocity of particles depends on their size,
density, and shape. Larger and denser particles settle faster than smaller or less dense
ones (SD, 2007). The viscosity and flow characteristics of the liquid also influence
how quickly particles settle out during sedimentation
From stokes law
2
g (ρ p−ρ) D p
V s=
18 μ

Where VS is settling velocity

g is gravitational force
ρ p is the density of the particle
ρ is the water density
DP is the diameter of the particle
μ is the viscosity

2. Formation of Sludge: As particles settle, they accumulate at the bottom of the

sedimentation tank, forming a layer of sludge.
3. Clarification: The clear water above the settled sludge is separated and collected for
further treatment or as clean water for various purposes.

ADVANTAGES OF SEDIMENTATION IN WASTEWATER TREATMENT

Since sedimentation is one of the simplest methods of water purification, it is a widely used
and understood procedure worldwide. In certain water treatment procedures, it could be the
first step. (understanding sedimentation water treatment, 2020) The following advantages are
offered to towns that use it:
i. Fewer chemicals are required for subsequent water treatment.
By allowing suspended particles to settle down naturally, sedimentation helps in physically
removing a significant portion of impurities from the water. This means that fewer chemicals
are needed to treat the water further downstream since a considerable number of
contaminants has already been removed through sedimentation
ii. It makes any subsequent process easier.
When water undergoes sedimentation, it becomes clearer and cleaner, making it easier for
other treatment processes to work efficiently. (the role of sedimentation in water treatment
process, 2022)As a result, the overall efficiency of the treatment plant increases, leading to
reduced reliance on chemicals for achieving desired water quality standards
iii. The cost is lower than some other methods.
In the sedimentation water treatment process, the cost is lower than some other methods due
to Sedimentation tanks have a relatively simple design and operation compared to more
advanced water treatment methods also Sedimentation does not require significant energy
input for its operation; it relies on gravity to settle out particles from the water.
iv. There is less variation in the quality of water that goes through the process.
One of the key factors that contribute to less variation in water quality is the settling time
provided during the sedimentation process. Settling time refers to the duration for which
water remains undisturbed in the sedimentation tank, allowing suspended particles to settle
down. By providing adequate settling time, the sedimentation process can effectively remove
particulate matter and impurities from the water, leading to consistent water quality.

DISADVANTAGES OF SEDIMENTATION IN WASTEWATER TREATMENT

i. Time-consuming: The process of sedimentation, particularly for small particles or

colloidal suspensions, can be sluggish. (Qasim SR, 2006) Particles may need a long
time to settle, which would lower the water treatment plant's overall effectiveness.
ii. Environmental Impact: To avoid harming the environment, sedimentation byproducts
such as watery sludge flow must be appropriately handled. Poor sludge management
might result in pollution worries and legal problems.
 iii. Limited removal efficiency for some contaminants: Sedimentation works well to
remove particulate matter, but it might not work as well to remove organic
compounds or some dissolved toxins. To properly handle these pollutants, further
treatment procedures like filtration or chemical coagulation could be required.
iv. Maintenance Challenges: Regular maintenance is necessary to ensure the effective
working of sedimentation basins, particularly those with extra components like sludge
scrapers. Maintenance problems may arise from sludge buildup and possible
equipment problems
2. FILTERING
Filtration in wastewater treatment refer to the physical process used to separate suspended
solids and impurities from water by passing it through a porous medium. The filter media are
artificial membranes, nets, sand filter and high technological filter system. This method
involves the removal of particles, debris and other contaminants from wastewater to produce
cleaner water that can be safely discharged back to the environment or reused for various
purposes (Eddy, 2003).

Mechanism of Filtration process

The filtration process in wastewater treatment involves separation of solid particles from
liquid by passing the mixture through a porous medium. The mechanism of filtration relies on
the physical barrier created by filter medium, which allow the liquid to pass through while
trapping and retaining the solids particles. The flow required for filtration can be achieved
using gravity or pressure. In pressure filtration, one side of the filter medium is at higher
pressure than that of other so that the filter plane has pressure drop. Some portion of this filter
type must be enclosed in a container. As wastewater flows through the filter medium,
suspended solids, organic matter, and other impurities are captured, leaving behind a cleaner
effluent (Metcalf, 2014).

Schematic diagram
Figure 2: Filtration Process (Source: Water Supply Technologies in Emergencies, 2017)

Advantage of filtration

a) It is an effective method for removing suspended solids, colloidal particles and other
impurities from wastewater streams. Filtration removes suspended solids such as
sand, silt and organic matter from wastewater. This helps to improve overall water
quality and reduces the risk of environmental pollution (Tchobanoglous G. B., 2003).
b) It improves water quality by reducing turbidity, color, odor and removing harmful
contaminants from wastewater (Tchobanoglous G. F., 2003).
c) Simple operation and maintenance
It is relatively simple and cost-effective process that can be easily integrated into existing
treatment system to enhance efficiency. Filtration system is easy to operate and maintain
compared to other wastewater processes. It requires minimal supervision and can be
automated for continuous operation (Pearson, 1998).

Disadvantages of Filtration
a) Clogging of filter media
One of the drawbacks of filtration is the potential clogging of filter media due to the
accumulation of solids over time. This reduces filtration efficiency and necessitate frequent
cleaning or replacement of the filter media (Henze, 2008).
 b) Limited removal of dissolved contaminants
The filtration is effective in removing suspended solids, it may not be as efficient in
eliminating dissolved contaminants like dissolved metal or certain chemicals present in
wastewater (Vesilind, 2010).

3. FLOTATION
Floatation process in wastewater treatment refer to the separation process based on the
introduction of tiny air bubble into the water which attach to the suspended solids and cause
them to float to water surface for removal. The method removes around 50-80% of the
suspended solids and other contaminants from wastewater (Thomas, 2018).

Mechanism of Floatation process

The mechanism involves three steps to accomplish the wastewater treatment process;

a) Bubble generation
In floatation process, bubble is generated by introducing air or gas into the wastewater. This
is done using a mechanical aerator or by injecting air under pressure. The bubble rise through
the waste water, carrying suspended solids and oil droplets with them (Howe, 2012).
b) Bubble attachment
As the bubble rise through the wastewater, they come into contact with suspended solids, oil
droplets and other contaminants. These contaminants adhere to the surface of the bubbles due
to physical or chemical interactions. This attachment process is facilitated by the presence of
surfactants or coagulants added to the waste water to enhance particle-bubble interaction. The
bubbles act as carriers, effectively lifting the contaminants to the surface of the water
(Crittenden, 2017).
c) Solid separation
Once bubbles reach the surface of the water, they form a froth or foam layer that contains the
attached contaminants. This froth layer is then skimmed off the water surface using
mechanical skimmer or scraper. The separated contaminants are removed from the surface
and collected for further treatment or disposal, while the treated water continues downstream
for additional processing or discharge (Masten, 2011).

Schematic diagram

Figure 3: Schematic diagram of a dissolved air floatation (Martin. A. Hubbe, 2016).

Advantage of Floatation Process

The primary advantages of using floatation in wastewater treatment includes;

a) Highly effective in removing a wide range of contaminants including those are

difficult to remove through other methods such as sedimentation or filtration.
b) Require less space compared to traditional sedimentation basin due to its higher
treatment capacity per unit area.
c) Can be integrated with other treatment processes such as chemical coagulation.
d) Provides excellent clarification capabilities, resulting in clearer effluent water.

Disadvantages of Floatation Process

a) High energy consumption compared to other methods due to the need of air
compression
b) Require regular maintenance and monitoring to ensure optimal performance
c) May generate sludge that require further dewatering and disposal
 4. ADDITION OF ALUM
Common primary wastewater treatment method, where alum is used for coagulation and
flocculation. Alum, or aluminum sulfate, is added to the wastewater to form a gelatinous
substance called floc. This floc binds together suspended particles, including organic matter,
solids, and some pollutants, causing them to settle out of the water.

The settled particles form a sludge at the bottom of a sedimentation tank, which can then be
removed, leaving behind partially treated wastewater. While effective at removing larger
particles, alum treatment alone is not sufficient for complete wastewater treatment and is
typically followed by secondary treatment processes for further purification.

Advantages of addition of alum

 Water purification: alum is commonly used in water treatment plants to clarify water
by causing suspended particles to clump together and settle, leading to cleaner water.
 Flocculation: in wastewater treatment, alum aids in flocculation, which is the process
of removing suspended particles from water by causing them to aggregate and settle
out.
 Algae control: when applied to ponds or lakes, alum can help control algae growth by
reducing the availability of phosphorous, which is a key nutrient for algae.
Disadvantages of addition of alum

 Alum toxicity: excessive use of alum can lead to the accumulation of aluminum in
water, which may be harmful to aquatic organisms and even humans if consumed in
high concentrations.
 Impact on aquatic ecosystems: alum treatment in lakes or ponds can alter water
chemistry and may have unintended consequences for aquatic ecosystems, such as
disrupting the balance of nutrients and affecting fish populations.
  Cost: alum treatment can be costly, especially for large-scale applications in water
treatment plants or agricultural fields.

SECONDARY WASTEWATER TREATMENT

1. TRINCKLING FILTER
Is the biological system wastewater treatment design also known as bioreactor, which tends
to separate organic and inorganic waste (up to 85%) whereby its functioning based on the
effect of aerobic microbes that tend to oxidize the organic matter Invalid source specified..

Mechanism

The trickling filter process involves the following stages (Tchobanoglous G. F., 2003):

i. Introduction of Wastewater: Wastewater from homes, businesses, and industries is

introduced onto the top of the trickling filter bed. This bed is typically made up of a
layer of coarse rock or synthetic media.
ii. Trickling Filtration: As the wastewater trickles down through the filter bed, it comes
into contact with a layer of microorganisms that are attached to the surface of the
media. These microorganisms, primarily bacteria, form a biofilm.
iii. Biological Treatment: The organic pollutants present in the wastewater serve as a
food source for the microorganisms in the biofilm. Through a process called aerobic
digestion, these microorganisms metabolize and break down the organic matter into
simpler, less harmful compounds like carbon dioxide and water.
iv. Formation of Slime Layer: Over time, as the microorganisms grow and multiply, a
layer of slime or biomass accumulates on the surface of the filter media. This slime
layer provides a habitat for the microorganisms and helps to improve the treatment
efficiency of the filter.
v. Oxygen Supply: Adequate oxygen supply is essential for the aerobic microorganisms
to thrive and efficiently degrade the organic pollutants. This is typically achieved by
either allowing air to naturally flow through the filter bed or by using mechanical
aeration systems to introduce air into the filter.
vi. Effluent Collection: The treated wastewater, now significantly cleaner after passing
through the trickling filter bed, is collected at the bottom of the filter and removed for
further treatment or discharge.

vii. Periodic Maintenance: Periodic maintenance is required to ensure the proper

functioning of the trickling filter system. This may include activities such as regular
inspection and cleaning of the filter media, monitoring and adjusting the flow rate of
wastewater, and controlling the supply of oxygen to the microorganisms.

SCHEMATIC DESIGN OF TRICKLING FILTER

 Figure 4: Trinkling process

Advantages of trinkling filter methods

1. Cost-effective: Trickling filters are often more economical to construct and operate
compared to other wastewater treatment systems, making them suitable for smaller
communities or decentralized treatment applications.

2. Low energy consumption: They typically require less energy for operation compared to
activated sludge systems, especially if natural aeration is utilized instead of mechanical
aeration.
3. Minimal sludge production: Trickling filters produce less sludge compared to other
treatment processes like activated sludge, reducing the costs associated with sludge handling
and disposal.

4. Robust performance: These systems can handle variations in influent flow and organic
loadings relatively well, making them suitable for treating wastewater with fluctuating
characteristics.

5. Trickling filters require less land area compared to other treatment systems like oxidation
ponds, making them suitable for installations where space is limited.

Disadvantages

1. Limited treatment efficiency: Trickling filters may not achieve as high levels of treatment
as more advanced processes like activated sludge or membrane bioreactors, especially for
certain types of pollutants or during peak flow conditions.

2. Clogging: The filter media can become clogged over time with biomass and other solids,
reducing treatment efficiency and requiring periodic maintenance and cleaning also,
accumulation of excessive biomass may cause clogging of the TF-unit.

3. Odor and noise: In some cases, trickling filters can generate odors due to the
decomposition of organic matter and noise from the operation of mechanical components
such as pumps and blowers.

4. Potential for biomass washout: High flow rates or hydraulic surges can cause the biomass
attached to the filter media to wash out, reducing treatment efficiency and requiring time for
the biofilm to re-establish.

5. Limited applicability for certain pollutants: Trickling filters may not be suitable for treating
wastewater with high concentrations of toxic substances or certain types of industrial
pollutants that require specialized treatment processes.

2. ACTIVATED SLUDGE
Activated sludge process (ASP) is a process that was developed around 1912-1914 for the
treatment of sewage and industrial wastewaters (Lesjean, 2017).
There are many different designs, but in general, all ASP have three main components: an
aeration tank that serves as a bio reactor; a settling tank for separating AS solids and treated
waste water; and a return activated sludge (RAS) equipment that transfers settled AS from the
clarifier to the aeration tank's influent (Wang Y. L., 2023).

Figure 5: Schematic diagram of a conventional activated sludge wastewater

MECHANISMS OF ACTIVATED SLUDGE SYSTEMS

The activated sludge process is a procedure in which oxygen is added to sewage. The process
itself involves disturbing and agitating sewage in an environment that is rich in naturally
occurring oxygen. There is no need to artificially add oxygen as the movement of the sewage
is enough to create a rich oxygen mixture (Van Loosdrecht, 2022).
After the sewage has been agitated and disturbed, it is allowed to settle. Once settling is
complete, the sewage is considered to be activated sludge as it contains the right conditions
for the formation of small organisms and bacteria.
When added to raw sewage, this activated sludge will oxidize any organic solids within the
sewage.
It will also help to separate any solids that have been dissolved into the sewage mixture,
making filtration easier further down the line.
In an activated sewage system, the activated sludge is added to an aeration tank, along with
the settled raw sewage. Following the aeration tank stage, the settled sludge is removed from
the settled sludge tank, leaving behind the effluent. The settled sludge can then be reactivated
before re-entering the aeration tank to repeat the process (Judd, 2016).

ADVANTAGES OF ACTIVATED SLUDGE SYSTEMS

There are a number of advantages to using an activated sludge system.
 i. The system itself does not cost much to install, providing a good return on initial
investment.
ii. The effluent water produced is of high quality, as long as the sewage is of a uniform
type and volume and the activated sludge stays activated.
iii. It does not require much room to install and operate the system within your facility,
making it a good option for applications where space may be at a premium.
iv. There are very few odors or pests involved, which makes hygienic, safe, and
convenient operation easy.
v. The process is relatively efficient, and there should be very little loss of pressure
within the system (Wang L. K., 2017).

DISADVANTAGES OF ACTIVATED SLUDGE SYSTEMS

Unfortunately, there are also a number of disadvantages that arise when using the activated
sludge process to treat sewage on a large scale.
i. There may be problems if there are any changes to the volume or type of sewage
being delivered, for example, as the result of a storm surge. These problems may
manifest in a reduced effluent quality.
ii. The initial capital outlay may be low, but ongoing operating costs of aerating and
recycling the sludge can be high. These costs will add up over time.
iii. The sludge can be recycled back into the process. However, the sludge will need to be
removed and disposed of after a while, and this can cause difficulties, as well as
additional costs.
iv. The process may not be suitable for all types of industrial wastewater, which may
make it inflexible for some businesses (Wang Z. Z., 2019).
The activated sludge may not remain activated and aerated at all times, which will severely
affect the performance of the process. This means supervision is required to make sure the
sludge stays activated (Wang Y. L., 2023).
There are a number of key advantages to using an activated sludge system for your facility.
However, the process is not perfect, and there are a number of disadvantages that counteract
these. Ultimately, the decision of whether to opt for this process or not depends on your
specific circumstances (Wang L. K., 2017).
 3. AERATED LAGOON WASTEWATER TREATMENT
An aerated lagoon or aerated pond is a wastewater treatment system involving a pond with
artificial aeration to promote biological oxidation of wastewaters. Wastewater treatment
processes carried out on aerated lagoons are widely used due to their relative low cost and
maintenance requirements, minimum production of sludge and integration in the
environment. The system is based on the degradation and uptake of organic matter by a
microbial community under oxygen conditions (Moura et al., 2009).

Uses of oxygen or air and microbial action is to reduce pollutants in wastewaters, acting as a
biologically assisted flocculator transforming soluble organics to biomass. Typically has a
sludge residence time of 1 to 5 days, aiming for low chemical oxygen demand in effluent
through biodegradable organics conversion.

MECHANISM OF AERATED LAGOON WASTEWATER TREATMENT METHOD

The wastewater enters the lagoon and undergoes primary treatment, which involves the
removal of large solids through settling and skimming processes. Aeration is a key step in
aerated lagoon treatment, it involves the introduction of air into the lagoon using mechanical
or diffused aeration systems. The purpose of aeration is to provide oxygen to the
microorganisms present in the lagoon, promoting their growth and enhancing their ability to
break down organic matter.

The aerated lagoon supports the growth of microorganisms, including bacteria and algae,
which metabolize and decompose organic pollutants present in the wastewater. These
microorganisms use the dissolved oxygen in the water to break down organic matter into
simpler substances. After the biological treatment, the wastewater undergoes secondary
settling, where the suspended solids and microorganisms settle to the bottom of the lagoon
(Vendramelli et al., 2017)

A disinfection step may be included to further reduce the number of pathogens in the treated
wastewater. Chlorination or ultraviolet (UV) disinfection are commonly used methods. The
treated wastewater, known as effluent, can be discharged into water bodies or reused for
various purposes depending on its quality and local regulations.

SCHEMATICS DIAGRAM OF AERATED LAGOON WASTEWATER TREATMENT

 Figure 6: Aeration lagoon processes
ADVANTAGES

 Aerated lagoon systems are generally less expensive to construct and operate
compared to more advanced treatment technologies.
 They have a relatively simple design and require less operator skill and maintenance
compared to complex treatment systems.
 Aerated lagoons are efficient in removing organic pollutants from wastewater due to
the high microbial activity supported by aeration.
 They can handle variations in wastewater flow and pollutant loads, making them
suitable for applications where flow rates or pollutant concentrations fluctuate.

DISADVANTAGES

 Aerated lagoon systems require significant land area, especially for large-scale
applications.
 The presence of anaerobic zones in the lagoon can lead to the production of
odorous gases, causing potential odor issues in the vicinity.
 While aerated lagoons are effective in organic matter removal, they may not
efficiently remove nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus without additional
treatment processes.
Cold temperatures and extreme weather conditions can affect the performance of aerated
lagoons, potentially leading to reduced treatment efficiency in certain regions

4. EXTENDED AERATION SYSTEM

A step in the activated sludge process that produces mixed liquor and uses oxygen to clean
wastewater is called extended aeration.
Package plants for wastewater treatment are facilities used to treat wastewater in small towns.
They are primarily capable of handling flows as little as 0.0002 million gallons per day and
as high as 0.5 million gallons per day.Invalid source specified.

One form of these package plants is the Extended Aeration Plant, which is divided into
compartments for flow equalization, aeration, clarifying, disinfection, and an aeration sludge
holding or digestion segment. Small communities with daily flow rates of less than 0.1
million gallons are the usual users of these plants.
As we said the extended aeration is a part of the activated sludge process where oxygen is
mixed with the wastewater resulting in a mixed liquor where the oxygen is used for the
biodegradation of organic wastes.

After that, the mixed liquor is directed into a clarifier or settling chamber, where the majority
of the microorganisms sink to the bottom and are partially recycled back into the wastewater
that was initially fed into the facility. Following clarification, the wastewater enters a
collection channel, passes over a weir, and finally enters the disinfection system.

The following are advantages of extended aeration system;

 Easy to operate and easy to install

 Odor free

 Relatively low sludge yield

Likewise, the following are the disadvantages of extended aeration system

  It requires additional unit processes for denitrification and phosphorus removal

 Extended aeration system requires large amount of space

 It has Limited flexibility for treating effluents in light of regulation updates

MECHANISM OF EXTENDED AERATION PLANT

One of the components of the extended aeration plant is prolonged aeration, which is used to
treat wastewater via biological treatment. The influent passes through a grinder to reduce the
size of large particles that are not collected by the screen after being screened to eliminate
large suspended or floating solids that could harm the machinery or obstruct the wastewater
treatment process.

The wastewater flow rate is controlled by a flow equalization system installed in the plant.
The wastewater flows to a clarifier/settling chamber where most microorganisms settle to the
bottom and some are pumped into the influent at the beginning of the plant after passing
through the flow equalization chamber and into the extended aeration chamber, where it is
mixed and oxygen is added to aid in biological remediation, creating a mixed liquor. The
wastewater that has been cleared passes through the clarity chamber and then crosses a weir
to enter the disinfection systemInvalid source specified..

TYPES OF AERATION SYSTEM

In addition to extended aeration, the other common types of package plants for wastewater
treatment involving aeration and using the activated sludge process are

 Sequencing batch reactors (SBRs)

 Oxidation ditches

 Aerated stabilization systems.

Sequencing batch reactors (SBRs)

In a SBR all biological treatment phases occur in one tank. A SBR also includes a
disinfection tank and a digestion tank, as in extended aeration. A SBR and oxidation ditch are
different yet share some similarities in the set-ups with the extended aeration systems while
an aerated stabilization system is a simpler set-up.

Oxidation ditches.

An oxidation ditch is a basin with a ring, oval, or horseshoe shape that contains a single or
multiple channel layout. In the oxidation ditch, the aerators facilitate oxygen transmission,
circulation, and aeration. The treated sewage flows from the oxidation ditch into the
clarifying tank, where the biosolids and water separate, according to a typical process flow
diagram for the oxidation ditch, which is comparable to the extended aeration flow process.
Similar to prolonged aeration, the oxidation ditch also has a digesting tank and a disinfection
tank.

Aerated stabilization systems.

An aeration zone plus a settling zone makes up an aerated stabilization basin. After the
wastewater has been treated in the aeration zone, it moves onto the settling zone, where the
remaining total suspended solids settle, before the treated water is released.

An extended aeration treatment has many advantages over other activated sludge processes.
The following are reasons for why extended aeration is mostly chosen for wastewater
treatment compared to other types;

 Since it is easier to operate and yields relatively low waste sludge compared to other
activated sludge processes hence this make it to be mostly chosen because it is easier
to install and to operate.
 The main benefit of extended aeration, which is mainly because of the aeration
component, is that wastewater's ammonia levels are decreased. Ammonia is a
naturally occurring result of organic matter breaking down. The amount of dissolved
oxygen in wastewater regulates the ammonia content. Extended aeration minimizes
the accumulation of ammonia in the wastewater by aerating the bottom of the aeration
tank due to the high concentration of dissolved oxygen. Because carbon dioxide is
produced from the conversion of the influent biological oxygen demand (BOD), an
extended aeration process is also known as a total oxidation process.
  Extended aeration systems supply enough oxygen for the sewage to aerobically
biodegrade into a disposable, odorless waste. The biological system is a practical and
easy-to-use method of treating household wastewater.

5. ANAEROBIC DIGESTER

Anaerobic digesters are biological treatment systems that play a vital role in secondary
wastewater treatment. They utilize microorganisms in an oxygen-free (anaerobic)
environment to break down organic matter present in wastewater (Tchobanoglous G. B.,
2003). This process yields biogas, a renewable source of energy, and effluent that requires
further polishing before discharge or reuse.

Mechanism of Anaerobic Digestion

Anaerobic digestion occurs in four stages, each involving specific microbial communities:

1. Hydrolysis: Complex organic molecules like carbohydrates, proteins, and fats are
broken down into simpler forms like sugars and amino acids by extracellular enzymes
secreted by fermenters (Tchobanoglous G. B., 2003).
2. Acidogenesis: The broken-down components are further fermented by acidogenic
bacteria into volatile fatty acids (VFAs), alcohols, and carbon dioxide (Tchobanoglous
G. B., 2003).
3. Acetogenesis: Acetogenic bacteria convert the VFAs produced in the previous stage
primarily into acetic acid, hydrogen, and carbon dioxide (Tchobanoglous G. B.,
2003).
4. Methanogenesis: Finally, methanogenic archaea utilize the hydrogen and acetic acid
to produce methane (CH₄), the primary component of biogas, and carbon dioxide
(Tchobanoglous G. B., 2003) .

Schematic Diagram of an Anaerobic Digester

A typical anaerobic digester consists of a sealed tank that maintains an oxygen-free
environment. Wastewater enters the digester, where the biological processes occur. The
biogas produced is collected from the top of the tank, while the treated effluent exits from the
bottom for further treatment stages.

Figure: shows Anaerobic digestion.

Advantages of Anaerobic Digesters

 Wastewater Treatment: Anaerobic digesters effectively remove organic matter from

wastewater, reducing pollution potential when discharged into waterways or reused
for irrigation.
 Biogas Production: The biogas produced during digestion is a renewable source of
energy that can be used for electricity generation, heating, or cooking, reducing
reliance on fossil fuels (Lay, 2019).
 Sludge Reduction: Anaerobic digestion significantly reduces the volume of sludge
generated during primary wastewater treatment, minimizing sludge disposal costs.
 Nutrient Recovery: The digested sludge is stabilized and enriched in nutrients,
making it a valuable soil conditioner for agriculture (Lay, 2019).

Disadvantages of Anaerobic Digesters

  Sensitivity to Influent: Anaerobic digesters require a relatively constant influent flow
and organic matter content for optimal performance. Significant fluctuations can
disrupt the microbial balance (Lay, 2019).
 Long Startup Time: Establishing and stabilizing the microbial communities within a
digester takes time, delaying the system's ability to function at full capacity (Lay,
2019).
 Odor Potential: Leakage from the digester or improper biogas handling can release
unpleasant odors containing volatile sulfur compounds (Lay, 2019).
 Pre-treatment Needs: Certain types of wastewaters may require pre-treatment to
remove inhibitory compounds or adjust pH levels before entering the digester (Lay,
2019).

Anaerobic digesters offer a sustainable and efficient approach to secondary wastewater

treatment. They not only reduce organic pollutants but also generate renewable biogas and
nutrient-rich sludge. However, their sensitivity to influent conditions and potential odor
issues requires careful design, operation, and maintenance.

CONCLUSION
Its important to note that the selection of the best method of wastewater treatments depends
on site-specific conditions and treatments goals, often a combination of primary and
secondary treatment methods is employed to achieve the desired effluent quality. Generally
waste water treatments depend on the various factors such as the characteristics of the waste
water, treatments objectives, available resources and local regulations. Consulting with
wastewater treatments professionals and considering local regulations and guidelines is
recommended for determining the most suitable method for a specific situation.

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