Sewage-water-treatment-plant-nirtogen-phosphorous-removalThe introduction of NH4-N (Ammonia Nitrogen) and Total Nitrogen limits by KSPCB for treated domestic sewage water treatment plant. These limits, set at 5 mg/L and 10 mg/L respectively, emphasize the need to handle nitrogen effectively in sewage treatment plants (STPs).
Biological Nutrient Removal (BNR) techniques aim to remove excess nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus that can harm aquatic ecosystems. I'll explain these techniques in a way that's easy to understand, while still providing you with solid factual information.
1. Nitrification-Denitrification (ND):
Imagine your garden as a wastewater treatment plant. Nitrification is like the plants in your garden taking up nutrients from the soil. First, bacteria turn ammonia (a form of nitrogen) into nitrite and then into nitrate. Denitrification is when these nitrate particles are converted back into nitrogen gas and released into the air. It's like the excess water from your garden being evaporated by the sun. This helps in reducing nitrogen levels in treated water.
2. Phosphorus Removal:
Phosphorus is another nutrient that can cause trouble in water bodies. There are various techniques to remove phosphorus from wastewater. One method is using biological phosphorus removal (BPR). These bacteria absorb phosphorus and store it within their cells. When the bacteria multiply, they carry away the phosphorus with them, effectively reducing its levels in the water.
3. Anoxic and Anaerobic Treatment:
Anoxic treatment involves creating an environment without oxygen, where specific bacteria break down nitrogen compounds. Anaerobic treatment is even deeper – Here, bacteria break down organic matter and release biogas (methane), which can be used for energy.
4. Constructed Wetlands:
Think of a constructed wetland as a mini ecosystem that helps clean water. Just like how plants in your garden absorb nutrients from the soil, plants in a wetland absorb nutrients from wastewater. The water slowly moves through the wetland, giving plants and bacteria time to break down harmful substances.
An ecosystem where someone's waste becomes other's food. Human waste in water gets bioconverted through microlife cultured in soil. Bioconversion process breaks down the sewage to feed reed plants planted in the soil. Plants in return use soil nutrients and photosynthesis to feed dissolved oxygen (DO) to soil and water. All the elements in such a system function symbiotically without any external power source. Sludge also undergoes bioconversion in the system and most of it gets consumed by the plants.
Implementing BNR techniques involves careful consideration of the specific STP setup and its requirements. It's true that not all vendors, plumbing consultants, and architects are well-versed in BNR techniques and their application. Given this complexity, it's advisable for apartments and similar entities to seek expert guidance when dealing with BNR techniques and nitrogen removal.
Collaborating with professionals who understand the intricacies of these processes can lead to more effective and efficient sewage treatment. This approach ensures that the treatment plant is optimized to meet the NH4-N and Total Nitrogen limits while also considering factors like energy consumption, space availability, and overall environmental impact.
You're invited! Let's talk..
neeraj@unown.org
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