SolarBee - solar powered mixer Lagoons treating waste water or storm water eventually build up organic solids that reduce hydraulic retention time, periodically washout solids in the effluent, and cause odors from H2S production. The primary quick way to remove solids is to mechanically dredge, dewater and landfill these solids. However, this is a big ticket event that many facilities do not have the budget to undertake. Over the years numerous additives and technologies have been proposed to enable microbes to break down organic sludge into carbon dioxide, water, and methane. None has proven particularly effective and dredging has remained the primary way to deal with sludge.
I have been monitoring new technologies for "biodredging" or biological sludge decomposition for years and evaluated numerous new technologies. To be successful, biological dredging requires the following:
I have been monitoring new technologies for "biodredging" or biological sludge decomposition for years and evaluated numerous new technologies. To be successful, biological dredging requires the following:
- Mixing - to improve contact time between microbes & solids. Also the movement from aerobic - anoxic - aerobic zones helps to enhance the process
- In ponds with large amounts of sludge, an anaerobic micronutrient blend helps to ensure adequate anaerobic activity which generates methane
- Enzymes/facultutative microbes can speed up initial breakdown of sludges into the fatty acids utilized by true anaerobic organisms
- Anaerobic zone required for maximum solids removal rates
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