Activated Sludge In the activated sludge process the majority of biological solids removed in the secondary sedimentation tank are recycled (returned sludge) to the aerator. The feedback of most of the cell yield from the sedimentation tank encourages rapid adsorption of the pollutants in the incoming settled sewage and also serves to stabilize the operation over a wide range of dilution rates and substrate concentrations imposed by the diurnal and other fluctuations in the flow and strength of the sewage. The sludge which is not returned to the aerator unit is known as surplus activated sludge and has to be disposed of. Nitrification The production of a final effluent with the minimum BOD value is dependent upon the complete nitrification of the effluent, which involves the conversion of the ammonia present to nitrate. This is a two-stage process undertaken by autotrophic bacteria principally from the genera Nitrosomonas and Nitrobacter. Nitrification occurs in percolating filters and activated sludge plants operated in a suitable manner. The first stage, sometimes referred to as 'nitrosification' involves the oxidation of ammonium ions to nitrite and follows the general formula: Two important points are evident from this last formula. Firstly, nitrification requires a considerable quantity of oxygen. Secondly, hydrogen ions are formed and hence the pH of the wastewater will fall slightly during nitrification. Nitrification significantly increases the cost of sewage treatment since more air is required. Furthermore, because these autotrophic organisms grow only slowly, longer retention periods are also required resulting in higher capital costs. Nor does nitrification result in the production of an entirely acceptable sewage effluent. In areas where water re-use is practised the concentration of nitrate in river waters causes concern. There exists a limit on the concentration of nitrate in drinking water to avoid the occurrence of methaemoglobinaemia (so called 'blue baby' syndrome). As a consequence denitrification is now practised after nitrification in some activated sludge treatment plants. Secondary Sedimentation Both types of biological treatment require sedimentation to remove
suspended matter from the oxidized effluent. Tanks similar to those normally employed for primary sedimentation are generally employed, although at a higher loading of approximately 40 m3 m -2 d -1, at 3 DWF. Because of the lighter and more homogenous nature of secondary sludge, simple sludge scrapers are possible and scum removal is not necessary. Secondary treatment will be sufficient to achieve the effluent standards described earlier apart from the bathing beach standard or perhaps the phosphorous limitation. In certain circumstances it may be required to achieve a solids standard better than the 35 mg/l quoted. In this case tertiary treatment, sometimes known as polishing is required. This is basically aimed at reducing the suspended solids more by either simple filtration or settlement.