The process of biological water treatment

The process of biological water treatment involves several stages. 

• In the first stage, the water is screened to remove large particles and debris. This allows the water to flow more efficiently to the main biological treatment chamber, where the solid particles are allowed to build up biological activity in the water.
• The second stage of biological water treatment involves the use of microorganisms to break down organic matter in the water. This is typically done in an activated sludge system, where the water is mixed with a mixture of microorganisms in a tank. The microorganisms consume the organic matter in the water and convert it into carbon dioxide, water, and other harmless by-products.
• In the third stage of biological water treatment, a clarifier is used to separate the treated water from the microorganisms and other solid particles. The treated water can then be disinfected using UV or membranes without the use of chemicals to eliminate coliforms (E-coli) before it is released into the environment.

Why use biological waste water treatment?

Biological treatment of waste water is an effective and efficient way to remove contaminants from water. It is also a relatively low-cost and environmentally friendly process, as it relies on natural biological processes rather than chemical treatments. Biological treatment systems can also be easily adapted to handle different types of water, making it a versatile solution for various industries.

However, it is important to note that biological treatment systems require careful management and monitoring to ensure that the microorganisms are functioning correctly and to prevent the release of harmful by-products into the environment. That is why it is essential to work with a reputable supplier such as G&O Bioreactors to ensure that the products are of top quality, and service teams are always prepared to help you.

Grey and black waste water

Grey water and black water are two types of waste water that are generated in households and other buildings or vessels such as ships, offshore sites and wherever humans accommodate themselves.

What’s the difference between grey water and black water?

Grey water is waste water that comes from non-toilet plumbing fixtures, such as sinks, showers, and washing machines. Because of the exception of kitchen or galley drains, Grey water typically contains lower levels of organic matter, nutrients, and pathogens, and is considered less contaminated than black water. Grey water can be reused for irrigation, flushing toilets, and other non-potable uses after appropriate treatment. Residual detergent concentrations can be high in grey water, which is why correct dosing is important to avoid foaming issues.

Black water, on the other hand, is waste water that comes from toilets and contains high levels of organic matter, coliforms, pathogens, and other contaminants. Black water is considered highly contaminated and requires more intensive treatment than grey water before it can be safely discharged into the environment.

It is possible to combine the treatment of both black and grey water in one same system.

How do you treat black water waste?

Black water treatment typically involves different selections of treatment philosophy, including the use of physical, chemical, and biological processes to remove solids, organic matter, and pathogens from the waste water. We at G&O Bioreactors believe that the best, most efficient and eco-friendly way to treat waste water is through biological means. After treatment, the water can then be disinfected and discharged into the environment, or it can be further treated to produce reclaimed water for non-potable uses.

It is important to properly manage both grey water and black water to prevent contamination of the environment and to conserve water resources. 

What else can be removed in a treatment process?

Grease and oil from kitchen Galley drains can be removed proactively before treatment to protect pipes from blocking and to optimise the biological treatment process. Other components of waste water that can be removed are dissolved nutrients and microplastics. Nutrients include Phosphorous and Nitrogen, which can cause eutrophication in natural water in too high concentrations, and microplastics can cause harmful effects in marine ecosystems.

However, these nutrients can be reduced using G&O advanced treatment systems, as well as screening microplastics. There are many components of waste water, and additional steps can be added to treatment processes to further polish the treated water for even better water quality.

Why is it important to treat waste water before it is released back into the marine ecosystem?

It is important to treat waste water before releasing it back into the ecosystem for several reasons:

• Protection of human health: Waste water can contain pathogens, chemicals, and other contaminants that can be harmful to human health if not properly treated before being released into the environment. Treating waste water helps to remove these harmful contaminants and reduce the risk of waterborne illnesses and other health problems.
• Protection of aquatic life: The release of untreated waste water into water bodies can have a negative impact on aquatic ecosystems, as it can reduce oxygen levels (oxygen depletion), promote the growth of harmful algal blooms, and disrupt the balance of aquatic ecosystems. Treating waste water helps to reduce the impact of these contaminants on aquatic life.
• Conservation of water resources: Water is a finite resource, and treating waste water for reuse can help to conserve water resources. Treated waste water can be used for irrigation, industrial processes, and other non-potable uses, reducing the demand for freshwater resources.
• Compliance with regulations: Many countries and regions have regulations that require the treatment of waste water before discharge into the environment. Failure to comply with these regulations can result in fines, legal action, and damage to a company’s reputation.

Overall, treating waste water before release into the ecosystem is essential for protecting human health, conserving water resources, and maintaining healthy and sustainable ecosystems. It is important to properly manage waste water treatment systems to ensure that they are effective, efficient, and environmentally responsible.

Choose G&O Bioreactors for reliable biological waste water treatment solutions

G&O Bioreactors specialises in the design, manufacture, and supply of bioreactors and other water treatment systems. With over 78 years of experience in the industry, we have delivered high-quality products and services to our clients. Our bioreactors are designed to optimise the biological treatment process, providing efficient and effective removal of pollutants from water.

By partnering with G&O Bioreactors, you can ensure that your biological water treatment system is of the highest quality, and that your service needs are met with the utmost professionalism.

Biological waste water treatment is an effective and efficient way to remove contaminants from water. It is a low-cost and environmentally friendly process that relies on natural biological processes rather than chemical treatments. However, it requires careful management and monitoring to ensure that the microorganisms are functioning correctly and to prevent the release of harmful by-products into the environment.

Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you optimize your biological treatment of waste water processes.