Septic System Micro-Aeration – Improves Degradation of Organic Waste
Research carried out by Carleton University and the University of Ottawa and recently published in Bioprocess and Biosystems Engineering has demonstrated the enhanced degradation of organics under septic tank conditions*.
The purpose of the study was to investigate and compare the effects of micro-aeration on the treatment of waste water sludge under septic tank conditions. Micro-aeration refers to the addition of very small amounts of air (oxygen) to the system. To date most scientific research has focused on completely aerobic or anaerobic biological treatment systems, with limited data available on the impact of micro-aerated systems.
The end result for the homeower is to determine if micro-aeration could enhance sludge digestion rates, thereby increasing the time intervals required to have to pump out their septic systems!
Interestingly, even very low rates of micro-aeration demonstrated improved degradation of Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD), a key indicator of organic contamination. This work follows on previous research demonstrating micro-aeration in anaerobic systems has shown to improve organics solubilization and reduce foul odors due to decreased concentrations of hydrogen sulfide.
*James Diak, Banu Örmeci, Kevin J. Kennedy. Effect of micro-aeration on anaerobic digestion of primary sludge under septic tank conditions. Bioprocess and Biosystems Engineering, Apr 2013, Volume 36, Issue 4, pp 417-424