How do microorganisms clean wastewater and how are microorganisms removed in the purification of water?
Aerobic bacteria in the sludge digest the organic matter as food in order to reproduce and grow, and change the chemical composition of the sludge, oxidize ammonia into nitrate and nitrite which is known as nitrification process.
Bacteria can be removed from water through chlorine, UV disinfection, and ozonation. Chlorination is widely used by municipalities to remove bacteria from city water supplies. Many well owners also use chlorine to “shock” their wells and eliminate any bacteria present. Anaerobic bacteria further break down the sludge and reduce nitrate and nitrite into nitrogen gas through a process as denitrification. Biogas produced during this anaerobic digestion is burned off or further purified for sale to energy companies. The microbes simply eat up contaminants such as oil and organic matter (e.g., waste food), convert them and then let off carbon dioxide and water. The process uses naturally occurring bacteria, fungi or plants to degrade substances that are hazardous to human health or the environment. Removal of microorganisms is not very effective in food preservation, but under special conditions it may be helpful in reducing the number of microorganisms. Removal may be accomplished by means of centrifugation, filtration, trimming, cleaning, and washing. The most common disinfection method involves some form of chlorine or its compounds such as chloramine or chlorine dioxide. Chlorine is a strong oxidant that rapidly kills many harmful micro-organisms.Bacteria primarily responsible for removing organic nutrients from wastewater. Protozoa a critical role in wastewater treatment, these microorganisms remove and digest free-swimming dispersed bacteria and other suspended particles. They also improve the clarity of wastewater effluent. Microrganisms can also have important impacts on the environment. All healthy ecosystems have their own communities of bacteria that decompose biological matter. However, contamination by sewage and human waste can disrupt the natural balance of bacteria and affect aquatic ecosystems.Bioaugmentation, the addition of microorganisms, may be used to restart activated sludge systems or to aid in the breakdown of a targeted pollutant. Bioremediation increases the bio-oxidation of wastewater and reduces grease, sludge, and odor levels in wastewater treatment plants, lagoons, and ponds.
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