Learn about biological wastewater treatment solutions

Every year, Vietnam discharges billions of cubic meters of untreated wastewater, causing severe pollution of surface and groundwater sources. Therefore, wastewater treatment is not only the responsibility of businesses but also that of every individual. In this article, BioFix Fresh will introduce you to the most effective biological wastewater treatment solutions and products available today.

Biological wastewater treatment

What is wastewater treatment?

Wastewater treatment is the process of removing pollutants from domestic, industrial, or agricultural wastewater to meet standards for safe discharge into the environment. If not treated properly, wastewater can contaminate water sources, soil, and air, affecting human health and ecosystems.

What is microbial wastewater treatment?

Wastewater treatment microorganisms are naturally occurring microbial strains that are extremely small and invisible to the naked eye. They have the ability to break down organic and inorganic substances present in wastewater, helping to ensure that the wastewater discharged into the environment is cleaner. Wastewater treatment microorganisms are classified into several types based on their environment and mode of operation, including: anaerobic microorganisms, aerobic microorganisms, and facultative microorganisms.

Biological wastewater treatment process

Biological wastewater treatment harnesses the ability of beneficial microorganisms to break down organic matter. Bacteria produce enzymes and consume organic matter to fuel their reproduction and metabolic processes. They continuously replicate and increase their biomass.

Advantages of biological wastewater treatment

Biological methods for wastewater treatment offer the following advantages:

  • Low investment costs: Biological wastewater treatment methods have relatively low initial investment costs compared to other methods, such as chemical or physical treatment. Biological treatment systems are typically simpler and do not require a great deal of complex equipment, resulting in significant savings on construction and installation costs.
  • Simple operation: Operating and monitoring a biological treatment system does not require advanced technical expertise. All that is needed is to follow established procedures and regularly check key parameters such as pH, temperature, and dissolved oxygen levels.
  • Environmentally friendly method: Instead of using harmful chemicals, this method harnesses the activity of natural microorganisms to break down organic matter in wastewater, causing no environmental pollution.
  • Delivering high wastewater treatment efficiency: Despite low capital costs and simple operation, biological solutions still ensure high wastewater treatment efficiency. Microorganisms are capable of breaking down most organic matter and nitrogen compounds in wastewater, significantly reducing the amount of pollutants released into the environment.

Biological wastewater treatment methods

Based on oxygen supply conditions, there are two main types of biological treatment: aerobic wastewater treatment and anaerobic biological wastewater treatment. BioFix Fresh will provide a detailed analysis of the characteristics of each of these methods.

Aerobic biological wastewater treatment

Aerobic biological wastewater treatment is one of the most common and effective methods currently used to treat wastewater. This method relies on the activity of aerobic microorganisms—organisms that require oxygen to live and grow. These microorganisms break down the organic matter in wastewater into simple, harmless inorganic compounds and carbon dioxide (CO₂).

How it works

  • Contact stage: The wastewater is fed into the treatment system and comes into contact with microorganisms.
  • Degradation phase: Microorganisms use the organic matter in wastewater as a source of food and energy for growth and development. During this process, complex organic compounds are broken down into simpler substances such as CO₂, water, and mineral salts.
  • Settling stage: Once the decomposition process is complete, the microorganisms and suspended solids settle to the bottom of the tank, forming sludge.
  • Sludge treatment stage: Activated sludge is periodically removed from the system for treatment.

Advantages of aerobic biological wastewater treatment

  • High efficiency: It can remove a large amount of organic matter and other pollutants from wastewater.
  • Low operating costs: Once the system is up and running, operating costs are primarily focused on supplying oxygen and maintaining microbial activity.
  • Environmentally friendly: The treatment process does not produce harmful substances and minimizes environmental pollution.
  • Wide range of applications: Can be applied to various types of wastewater, from domestic wastewater to industrial wastewater.

Aerobic biological wastewater treatment

Anaerobic biological wastewater treatment

Anaerobic biological wastewater treatment is an effective wastewater treatment technology, particularly suitable for wastewater with high concentrations of organic matter that is difficult to break down. This method relies on the activity of anaerobic microorganisms—organisms that do not require oxygen to live and grow. These microorganisms break down the organic matter in the wastewater into simpler compounds, primarily methane (CH₄) and carbon dioxide (CO₂).

How it works

  • Hydrolysis stage: Complex organic molecules (proteins, carbohydrates, lipids) are broken down into simpler molecules such as amino acids and fatty acids.
  • Acidification stage: The products of the hydrolysis stage are converted into volatile fatty acids and CO₂ gas.
  • Methane production stage: Volatile fatty acids are converted into methane (CH₄) and CO₂ by specialized microbial communities.

Advantages of the anaerobic wastewater treatment method

  • High efficiency: Capable of treating a wide variety of wastewater, including industrial wastewater with high concentrations of organic matter.
  • Biogas production: The treatment process produces methane, a clean and renewable energy source.
  • Reduced sludge production: The amount of sludge produced by the anaerobic treatment process is less than that produced by the aerobic process.
  • Cost reduction: The treatment process does not require the supply of oxygen, which helps reduce operating costs.

Anaerobic biological wastewater treatment

Effective microbial products for wastewater treatment

BioFix Fresh introduces you to a range of highly effective, easy-to-use, and environmentally friendly microbial wastewater treatment products.

BAC OC-1101 Microbial Odor Control Product

This liquid microbial formulation is a unique combination of microorganisms and enzymes that effectively neutralizes odors in a variety of settings. The product contains multiple microbial strains, including Bacillus amyloliquefaciens, Bacillus licheniformis, and Bacillus subtilis, which:

  • A 3-tier odor control system that provides both immediate and long-lasting results.
  • Because the formula is concentrated, it has a high dilution ratio.
  • Versatile use; can be operated automatically or manually.
  • Reduce H₂S, NH₃, and CH₄.
  • The product is safe for humans and pets.

BAC OC-1101 microbial product

BAC AD-1005 Anaerobic Microbial Treatment Product

A powdered microbial product containing a high concentration of carefully selected microbial strains that promote the breakdown of organic matter within anaerobic tanks. The product contains numerous microbial strains, including Bacillus cereus, Bacillus metiens, Bacillus lactis, Bacillus licheniformis, Bacillus subtilis, and Bacillus spp., providing the following benefits:

  • Accelerates the breakdown of high-molecular-weight organic compounds.
  • Increase CH₄ production and reuse it in the production process.
  • Reduces odors.

BAC AM-1006 Aerobic Microbial Treatment Product

The BAC AM-1006 microbial product contains high-density strains of microorganisms such as Nitrosomonas spp., Nitrobacter spp., Bacillus simplex, Bacillus sphaericus, Bacillus spp., Bacillus subtilis, and Bacillus thuringiensis, which have the following benefits:

  • Accelerate the nitrification process in the wastewater treatment system.
  • Reduce ammonia and total nitrogen levels.
  • Mitigating microbial shock caused by high nitrogen levels in the aerobic tank.

BAC AM-1006 microbial product

BAC UB-1003 Aerobic Microbial Treatment Product

This powdered product effectively eliminates odors in restaurants and hotels thanks to its high content of beneficial aerobic microorganisms. Additionally, it accelerates the breakdown of organic matter within the aerobic tanks used in manufacturing industries.

  • Reduce COD, BOD, and biological pollutants.
  • Promote the breakdown of simple organic compounds in the aerobic tank.
  • Reduce odors caused by wastewater.

BAC IND-1004 Aerobic Microbial Treatment Product

A powdered microbial product containing a high concentration of carefully selected microbial strains, such as Bacillus agri, Bacillus butanolivorans, Bacillus lactis, Bacillus licheniformis, Bacillus subtilis, and other Bacillus species, which helps promote the breakdown of organic matter within the aerobic tanks of manufacturing facilities.

  • Reduce COD, BOD, and biological pollutants.
  • Accelerates the breakdown of simple organic compounds.
  • Minimize the occurrence of unpleasant odors.