Environmental engineering

Classroom practice

I) The following graphic represents the two main secondary

treatments carried out to clean wastewater. By looking in detail
each graphic and/or using the internet, mention three similarities
and three differences between then.
Differences:
1. In the suspended growth processes the microorganisms responsible for
treatment are maintained suspension by appropriate mixing methods, while
in the attached growth processes the microorganisms are attached to some
inert medium, such as rock, slag or specially designed ceramic or plastic
materials.
2. Suspended growth processes requires larger area, no small equipments
involved, monitoring is tough. Whereas in attached system small
equipments are involved, no larger area necessary, maintainence is easier
but labour intensive.
3. The suspended growth process is more expensive to operate than the
attached growth process due to the increased use of energy to run the
aeration system.

Similarities:
1. Both systems are designed to remove biodegradable organic material and
nitrogen-containing organic material by converting ammoniacal nitrogen to
nitrate unless further treatment is provided.
2. Both processes result in water and carbon dioxide.
3. In both processes what is sought is the elimination of biodegradable organic
material from wastewater.