Waste Water Biological Digestion

"Wastewater biological digestion" (or in Bahasa Indonesia: biological digestion of wastewater) is a wastewater treatment process using microorganisms to break down organic matter into simpler, stable, and environmentally safe forms.

A more detailed explanation follows:

Basic Principles

In this process, bacteria and other microorganisms feed on organic matter present in wastewater (such as food waste, fats, proteins, and carbohydrates). These microorganisms convert the organic matter into:

• gases (such as methane (CH₄) and carbon dioxide (CO₂)),

• new microbial biomass, and

• cleaner water.

Types of Biological Digestion

There are two main types:

1. Aerobic (with oxygen):

   • Microorganisms need oxygen to live and break down organic matter.

   • Examples: Activated Sludge, Trickling Filter, and Rotating Biological Contactor (RBC) processes.

   • End products: CO₂, water, and new biomass.

   • Commonly used in municipal wastewater treatment plants.

2. Anaerobic (without oxygen):

   • Microorganisms work without free oxygen.

   • Organic matter is converted into biogas (a mixture of methane and CO₂).

   • Example: anaerobic digester for sludge or food industry waste.

   • End products: biogas (can be used as energy) and stabilized sludge.

Key Benefits

• Reduces organic pollutants in wastewater.

• Generates renewable energy (biogas).

• Reduces the volume of sewage sludge.

• Improves water quality before discharge into the environment.

General Application

• Domestic wastewater treatment (household, housing).

• Industrial wastewater treatment (food, beverage, livestock).

• Sludge treatment from primary or secondary treatment systems.