Bacteria and Micro-organisms Involved in Wastewater Treatment
Wastewater treatment is a complex water treatment process that relies heavily on the activity of microorganisms, especially bacteria, to break down pollutants and organic matter. These microscopic allies are the unsung heroes in both municipal and industrial waste effluent treatment plants (ETPs), working silently to purify water and ensure environmental sustainability.Whether it’s reducing fat oil and grease (FOG) buildup or breaking down organic contaminants, micro organisms in wastewater treatment is central to successful alternative.
To learn how your facility can optimize treatment with microbial solutions, feel free to contact us.
Why Microorganisms Matter in Water Treatment
Microorganisms are at the core of biological wastewater treatment, particularly in the secondary sewage water treatment stage. Their role is to:
- Decompose organic matter into simpler, harmless compounds.
- Convert nitrogenous compounds through nitrification and denitrification.
- Flocculate suspended solids by forming biofilms and flocs.
- Reduce odors and toxic substances through biochemical oxidation, contributing to odour control in wastewater treatment.
- Shock Loads sustainability.
Let’s dive into the key categories and types of micro organisms in wastewater treatment.
Bacteria – The Backbone of Wastewater Treatment
a) Heterotrophic Bacteria
- Function: Degrade organic carbon compounds like proteins, carbohydrates, and fats.
- Examples: Pseudomonas, Bacillus, Zooglea ramigera
- Process: Aerobic decomposition (oxidation of organics into CO₂ and H₂O). These bacteria are crucial for fat oil and grease removal in both domestic and industrial effluent streams.
They are frequently supported by bio culture for wastewater treatment solutions, used to maintain consistent microbial balance in residential wastewater treatment systems and eco sewage treatment plant units.
b) Nitrifying Bacteria
- Function: Convert ammonia (NH₃) into nitrate (NO₃⁻) in a two-step process.
- Ammonia to Nitrite: Nitrosomonas
- Nitrite to Nitrate: Nitrobacter
- Importance: Removes toxic ammonia, stabilizes nitrogen cycle, and supports wastewater recycling initiatives like sewage recycling system setups.
c) Denitrifying Bacteria
- Function: Convert nitrate into nitrogen gas (N₂) under anoxic conditions.
- Examples: Paracoccus, Pseudomonas denitrificans
- Role: Helps in total nitrogen removal and reduces eutrophication risks.This process is a key component of anaerobic wastewater treatment and anaerobic digestion wastewater treatment systems.
d) Phosphorus-Accumulating Organisms (PAOs)
- Function: Uptake and store excess phosphorus.
- Examples: Acinetobacter species
- Use: Enhanced Biological Phosphorus Removal (EBPR) systems. Also useful in managing nutrient-rich industrial waste discharge through biological sewage treatment plant strategies.
Other Important Micro-organisms
a) Protozoa
- Role: Predators that consume free-floating bacteria and suspended solids.
- Types:
- Flagellates – early indicators of system startup.
- Ciliates (e.g., Vorticella) – associated with mature, stable systems.
- Amoebae – dominate during toxic shock or startup.
These are particularly active in aerobic sewage treatment system setups.
b) Rotifers
- Role: Help polish effluent by consuming smaller microbes and particulates.
- Indicator of: Stable and well-oxygenated systems, particularly in advanced aerobic treatment units.
c) Fungi
- Function: Degrade hard-to-digest substances (e.g., lignin, cellulose).
- Usage: In low pH or low-nutrient conditions, ideal for treating FOG and supporting wastewater treatment products such as enzymes for sewage treatment.
- Example: Trichoderma, Aspergillus
Often employed in fat oil and grease management due to their capacity to decompose complex organics.
d) Algae
- Use: In facultative lagoons and tertiary treatment for oxygenation and nutrient removal.
- Example: Chlorella, Scenedesmus
They play a vital role in pond treatment and systems focused on eco friendly sewage treatment systems.
Microbial Interactions in Treatment Systems
- Floc formation: Bacteria like Zooglea ramigera excrete extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) that bind flocs a critical part of wastewater filtration.
- Synergism: Fungi can break down complex molecules, aiding bacteria.
- Competition: Nitrifiers and heterotrophs may compete for oxygen, especially in high organic loading conditions influencing reducing BOD in wastewater.
Factors Affecting Microbial Activity
- Temperature: Most microbes thrive between 20–35°C.
- pH: Neutral range (6.5–8.5) is optimal.
- Dissolved Oxygen (DO): Essential for aerobic bacteria (ideal >2 mg/L).
- Toxicity: Heavy metals, chlorinated compounds, and sudden pH shifts can harm microbial populations.
- F/M ratio (Food to Microorganism ratio): Critical for maintaining sludge quality and sludge management.
Proper balancing ensures cost-effective sewage treatment plant maintenance and performance optimization across domestic waste water treatment systems.
Role of Bioaugmentation
In systems facing high load or startup issues, bioaugmentation with specialized microbial consortia (commercial biocultures) is used to boost treatment performance. These formulations may include:
- Mixed heterotrophs
- Specialized oil, grease, or phenol degraders
- Nitrifiers and PAOs
Bioaugmentation is especially useful for managing FOG accumulation in sewage treatment plants and sludge digestion systems.It’s often deployed by sewage treatment plant manufacturer teams or effluent treatment plant manufacturer experts offering waste water treatment chemicals.
Conclusion
Understanding the micro organisms in wastewater treatment is key to optimizing performance, preventing upsets, and achieving regulatory compliance. Bacteria and other micro-organisms are nature’s solution to pollution, and when harnessed properly, they can transform even the dirtiest wastewater into reusable water.
Whether you are managing a sewage treatment plant in Mumbai, planning a sewage treatment plant in Pune, or searching for the best septic tank treatment, knowledge of microbial dynamics will guide you to the right solution — from cheap sewage treatment plants to mini sewage treatment plant cost in India.
From sustainability and waste management to treatment of industrial waste water, the microbial world offers scalable solutions for every system — large or small.As wastewater professionals, staying informed about microbial communities helps us make better decisions — from choosing the right bioculture to troubleshooting treatment inefficiencies in industrial wastewater management.
For tailored solutions to your treatment challenges, contact us.
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