Microbiology - Aquatic Microbiology - Quick Guides | Microbiology

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Study GuideMicrobiology–Aquatic Microbiology1.Sewage and Wastewater TreatmentEvery day, human activities produce large amounts ofsewage and wastewater. Before this watercan be released into rivers, lakes, or oceans—or reused—it must be treated carefully.Wastewater often contains:•Excessnitrogen and phosphorus•Heavy metalsand chemical pollutants•Organic wastethat can harm ecosystems•Pathogenic microorganismsthat cause diseaseIf released untreated, this mixture would overload natural waterways and threaten human health.1.1Why Treatment Is NecessarySewage contains bothchemicalandbiological waste. These wastes must be broken down beforewater is returned to the environment or reused.Treatment works by:•Managing microbial populations•Encouraging helpful microorganisms to digest organic matter•Removing harmful chemicals and disease-causing microbesEven water taken fromground sourcesmust be treated before it is safe to drink.1.2Water Purification (Drinking Water Treatment)Water purification focuses onreducing microorganismsto safe levels and keeping them low.Step 1: SedimentationWater is placed in asedimentation tank, where heavy particles settle to the bottom.

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Study GuideChemicals such asalumare added to form clumps (flocs) that pull microorganisms down with them.Step 2: FiltrationWater is filtered through sand to remove remaining microbes.•Slow sand filtersuse fine sand and take longer•Rapid sand filtersuse coarser sand and work fasterBoth remove about99% of microorganisms.Step 3: ChlorinationMost communities addchlorineto kill remaining microbes and prevent regrowth.•Chlorine gas orsodium hypochlorite (NaOCl)is used•A small chlorine residue is left to ensure safety1.3Sewage Treatment (Wastewater Treatment)Sewage treatment is more complex than drinking water treatment because sewage containsmoreorganic matterand a wider variety of microorganisms.Primary Treatment•Large particles settle out insettling tanks•Solid material formssludge•Sludge is burned, buried in landfills, or sent to digestersSecondary TreatmentSecondary treatment reduces themicrobial populationand breaks down organic matter.

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Study GuideAnaerobic Sludge Digestion•Occurswithout oxygen•Microorganisms break down proteins, fats, and cellulose•Products includeorganic acids, alcohols, and methane gas•Methane can be burned asfuel•Remaining sludge is buried or incineratedAerobic Secondary Treatment•Wastewater isaerated•Liquid passes through atrickling filter•Microbes grow on rocks or other materials and digest organic waste•The water leaving this stage is about99% free of microorganismsActivated Sludge Process•Wastewater is vigorously aerated•Slime-forming bacteria trap other microbes•Clear liquid is removed for purification•Sludge is disposed of at sea or in landfills1.4Tertiary TreatmentTertiary treatment removesnutrients and chemical pollutantsthat can damage ecosystems.This stage includes:•Removal ofphosphates and nitrates•Precipitation of ions usingcalcium or iron•Conversion of ammonia to nitrate (nitrification)•Activated charcoaladsorption to remove organic pollutants like PCBs

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Study Guide1.5Home Septic SystemsAseptic systemis a small-scale sewage treatment system used in homes.•Waste enters aseptic tank•Anaerobic bacteria digest solids•Liquids flow into aseptic field•Soil bacteria complete the breakdownCesspoolswork similarly, but waste enters directly into surrounding soil.

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