In the aeration basin, bacteria and microorganisms convert biodegradable organic matter to carbon dioxide and water. Secondary Treatment:This process uses living organisms to aid in reducing organics.With the use of this mechanical and physical means, approximately 30% of organic matter is removed from the wastewater and is routed to the solids management area of the plant. Surface skimmers collect any floating fats, oils and greases. Primary Treatment:Clarifiers, or sedimentation basins, slow the flow of the wastewater to allow suspended solids to settle.Knowledge of oxygen demand is useful throughout the treatment for measuring waste loading, evaluating the efficiency of the process and ensuring compliance with regulations for the oxygen demand of effluent. Influent waters entering wastewater plants are high in organics and the wastewater plant must reduce the “organic loading” before discharging water to a receiving body.
