What is a key feature of aerobic treatment plants?

A key feature of aerobic treatment plants is their ability to maintain a minimum dissolved oxygen (DO) level of 4.0 mg/L. This high level of dissolved oxygen is essential for the effective aerobic treatment process, as aerobic bacteria require oxygen to break down organic matter in wastewater. The presence of adequate oxygen allows these microorganisms to thrive and efficiently degrade pollutants, resulting in cleaner effluent.

Maintaining this minimum DO level is crucial for optimizing the performance of aerobic treatment processes. If the oxygen levels drop too low, the efficiency of the treatment would decrease, potentially leading to incomplete treatment and poor water quality. In contrast, anaerobic processes, which are not employed in aerobic treatment plants, do not rely on oxygen and function through the action of anaerobic bacteria, leading to different byproducts such as methane gas. Thus, the emphasis on a sustained dissolved oxygen level is what distinctly characterizes aerobic treatment facilities.