Operation and Performance of a Combined Methanogenic-Aerobic Wastewater Treatment Plant for Improved Wastewater Treatment with Biosolids Reduction

Presently, sophisticated biological wastewater treatment processes have been developed that can meet stringent discharge requirements. These treatment processes are complex, expensive, generate large amounts of waste sludge, and require significant power. Such plants are hardly affordable in developing countries. Congruent, principles of biological-abiotic treatment of wastewater are advocated herein. The main principles are that major biological populations should be in symbiotic relationships, and should be interwoven with abiotic processes. The principles of congruent operations have been demonstrated in upgrading a 15 million gallons per day (MGD) wastewater treatment plant in Cartersville, Georgia in view of anticipated more stringent discharge requirements. This application makes use of a combined anaerobic(methanogenic)–aerobic–abiotic system. Operation of this plant has produced a high quality effluent, while reducing waste sludge generation and the energy requirement for aeration. Methanogen-enriched sludge has also been used for in-sewer wastewater treatment that controls odor, corrosion, and oil and grease.