Wastewater treatment, or wastewater treatment, is an important process aimed at removing contaminants from used air, whether from industrial, domestic, or commercial sources. One of the most crucial components of this process is the use of microorganisms in wastewater treatment.
Microorganisms work as biological agents that break down and decompose organic pollutants so that wastewater can be cleaned before being discharged back into the environment or reused.
Microorganisms Commonly Used in Wastewater Treatment
In wastewater treatment systems, microorganisms work both naturally and in controlled systems. They play a key role in biological treatment processes such as activated sludge systems, trickling filters, and anaerobic digestion. The following are the types of microorganisms commonly used in wastewater treatment.
1. Aerobic Bacteria
Aerobic bacteria work by using dissolved oxygen to decompose organic matter in wastewater. They are particularly effective in systems such as activated sludge, trickling filters, and aerated lagoons. These microorganisms convert organic matter into carbon dioxide, air, and new microbial cells.
2. Anaerobic Bacteria
These bacteria do not require oxygen to survive. They are primarily used in anaerobic digestion processes, such as in the treatment of domestic and industrial wastewater containing high organic loads. The end products of their activity are methane (CH₄), carbon dioxide (CO₂), and ammonia (NH₃).
3. Facultative Bacteria
These are flexible bacteria capable of living in both aerobic and anaerobic conditions. They are particularly useful in colder environments, such as facultative lagoons. These bacteria help maintain process stability when conditions change dynamically.
4. Nitrifying Bacteria
Nitrification is a two-stage biological process carried out by two groups of bacteria:
- Nitrosomonas: Oxidizes ammonia to nitrite.
- Nitrobacter: Converts nitrite to nitrate.
This process is important in removing nitrogen from airborne wastewater, which, if left untreated, can cause eutrophication in receiving waters.
Read Also: Aerobic Anaerobic Wastewater Treatment: Definition, Systems, and Comparison
5. Denitrifying Bacteria
Unlike nitrification, denitrification is an anaerobic process in which nitrate is converted back into nitrogen gas (N₂), which is then released into the atmosphere. These bacteria, such as Pseudomonas, work in environments lacking oxygen and with available organic carbon.
6. Phosphorus-Scavenging Organisms (PAOs)
PAOs play a role in biological phosphorus removal through a process called Enhanced Biological Phosphorus Removal (EBPR). These microorganisms absorb phosphate from wastewater and store it in the form of polyphosphate. The accumulated phosphorus is removed along with the activated sludge during the clarification process.
7. Protozoa
Protozoa such as amoeba, flagellates, and ciliates act as natural predators that control bacterial populations and organic particles. The presence of protozoa is also an indicator of activated sludge quality.
8. Fungi
Fungi are more dominant in environments with low pH or high carbon content, where bacterial growth is difficult. Fungi help decompose organic compounds such as lignin and cellulose, especially in textile and paper industry wastewater.
9. Algae
Although more commonly found in stabilization ponds or algae-based ponds, algae work in conjunction with bacteria in the oxygen cycle. Algae produce oxygen through photosynthesis, which aerobic bacteria use to decompose organic matter.
Read Also: How to Control Algae and Biofilm in Raw Water Treatment Systems
Results of Using Microorganisms in Wastewater Treatment
The use of microorganisms in wastewater treatment offers various technical and ecological benefits, including:
1. Efficient BOD and COD Reduction
Microorganisms make the reduction of Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) and Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) more efficient. Microorganisms decompose complex organic compounds into simpler compounds, reducing the pollutant load in wastewater.
2. Improved Effluent Quality
Microorganism-based systems produce effluent of better quality, clearer water, and with lower organic matter content. This is essential for meeting environmental quality standards.
3. Biogas Production
In anaerobic systems, bacteria produce methane gas, which can be used as an alternative energy source. This provides additional benefits in the form of energy efficiency and reduced operational costs.
4. Sludge Stabilization
Microorganisms also help stabilize the sludge produced in the treatment process, reducing sludge volume and facilitating dewatering and final disposal.
5. Biodegradation of Hazardous Compounds
Some microorganisms have the ability to degrade toxic or hazardous compounds such as pesticides, heavy metals, and phenolic compounds. This is particularly useful for complex industrial wastewater treatment.
Read Also: How to Overcome High COD and BOD in Wastewater?
Optimizing Microorganisms in Your WWTP
As a company with over four decades of experience in water and wastewater treatment solutions, Lautan Air Indonesia understands the critical role microorganisms play in the success of your wastewater treatment system.
We provide comprehensive services to support the performance of your biological system:
System Audit and Biological Diagnostics
We analyze the characteristics of your wastewater and the microbiological conditions in your system to identify potential problems or opportunities for improvement.
Supply of Bioactivators and Microbial Nutrients
Lautan Air Indonesia provides bioactivators and additional nutrients to support optimal microbial growth, for both aerobic and anaerobic systems.
WWTP System Design and Installation
We design efficient biological wastewater treatment systems tailored to your industrial needs: activated sludge, MBR, anaerobic reactors, and more.
Operation & Maintenance
Our team assists you in the daily operation and maintenance of your system, including adjusting DO, pH, temperature, and other important parameters that affect the performance of microorganisms.
Human Resources Training and Mentoring
We also provide technical training for your operational team to understand the microbiological characteristics of wastewater and how to manage it effectively.
Conclusion
The role of microorganisms in wastewater treatment is integral to the overall success of the system. By understanding the types of microorganisms and how they work, WWTP managers can optimize the process sustainably and efficiently.
Lautan Air Indonesia is a reliable partner in the development and maintenance of biological-based wastewater treatment systems. With decades of experience and a team of competent experts, we are ready to help you deliver effective, environmentally friendly, and regulatory-compliant wastewater solutions.
Entrust your wastewater treatment to Lautan Air Indonesia—a comprehensive solution, optimal results. Contact us now for a consultation!
