3. Wastewater Enters Aeration Basin
- Wastewater enters an aeration basin equipped with hundreds of tiny air diffusers that introduce air bubbles to the water, creating an aerobic environment that promotes microbial growth. Bacteria (Activated Sludge) break down and degrade the organic content of sewage using the diffuser oxygen in a process called aerobic digestion. This aerated culture of microorganisms, and bacteria is called activated sludge or mixed liquor and is typically brown in colour with an earthy odour.
- Ferric Sulphate is added to water to remove Phosphorus. High Phosphorus levels in receiving streams promotes algae growth which reduces the amount of dissolved oxygen in water and consequently depletes fish populations and other aquatic life.