Case Study: A New Technology Utilizes The Collection System As An Active Part Of The Wastewater Treatment Process

The collection system is often viewed as a means to transport the wastewater to the treatment facility. Many hours of retention time in the collection system have provided non-beneficial impacts to the wastewater treatment process. Growth of filamentous bacteria, Sulfate Reducing Bacteria (SRB), which lead to the production of hydrogen sulfide, and odor causing bacteria dominate the wild microbiology of the collection system. As a matter of fact, the indigenous biological growth within the collection system is generally considered detrimental to the treatment objectives at the WWTP.

Microorganisms act to catalyze the oxidation of biodegradable organics and other contaminants generating byproducts such as carbon dioxide, water, and biomass. Bacteria grow and divide producing biosolids (sludge) and clean water. This metabolism occurs in wastewater treatment plants around the world. However, the limits of size, retention time, processing capacity, and operating budgets create economic challenges for every municipality. In an effort to utilize the miles of existing pipe and convert the passive sewer system into a meaningful treatment step, one company has developed a technology and service to utilize the collection system as an active part of the wastewater treatment process.