Reduction of greywater solids through an aeration process

Abstract

The activated sludge process is a biological treatment that basically consists of the agitation and aeration of a mixture of waste water and a selected microorganism sludge. The oxidation of organic matter was experimentally determined by means of some water analysis tests, such as Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD5), Total Sedimented Solids (TSS), Sedimentable Solids (SS), Dissolved Solids (SD), Fixed and Volatile Solids (SVS) and finally a measurement of the turbidity of the treated water. The results obtained in the reduction of the organic load, during the first two days of treatment (samples 1, 2 and 3) are visible in each of the tests. The last two days according to samples 4 and 5 the solids showed an increase in organic load. The related organoleptic properties such as color did show a notable decrease. As for the tests carried out on the pH, they show a change; samples 1, 2 and 3 approach a range where they are neutral and the last two samples (4 and 5) have an increase in pH until it becomes alkaline. The efficiency of the method used for the treatment of wastewater during the first days reduced the organic load and total solids by 760 and 569 ppm respectively. This is a viable alternative since it is a low-cost method with short-term results because the organoleptic properties such as smell and color were lost during the first day of treatment.