Different types of biological treatment of wastewater using attached culture
1. Trickling filter: This treatment method involves passing the wastewater over a bed of rocks or other porous media that are colonized by microorganisms. These microorganisms break down organic contaminants in the wastewater as it trickles through the media.
2. Rotating biological contactor (RBC): In this type of treatment system, wastewater is exposed to a series of rotating disks or media that are covered with a biofilm of microorganisms. As the disks rotate, the microorganisms come into contact with the wastewater and break down organic pollutants.
3. Moving bed biofilm reactor (MBBR): This treatment method involves using plastic biofilm carriers that are suspended in the wastewater. The biofilm carriers provide a large surface area for microorganisms to attach and grow, allowing for efficient removal of organic contaminants.
4. Fluidized bed reactor: In this treatment system, the wastewater is passed through a bed of sand or other media that is fluidized by air or water. The movement of the media creates ideal conditions for the growth of microorganisms, which break down organic pollutants in the wastewater.
5. Integrated fixed-film activated sludge (IFAS): This treatment method combines attached growth media with suspended growth activated sludge treatment. The attached growth media provide additional surface area for microorganisms to grow and remove organic contaminants from the wastewater.
6. Biofilm sequencing batch reactor (SBR): In this treatment system, the wastewater is treated in batches, with alternating cycles of filling, mixing, aerating, settling, and decanting. Biofilm attached to media within the reactor help to break down organic pollutants during the treatment process.