Biological ProcessesBiological processes consist of using micro-organisms present in the environment—mainly bacteria—to naturally eliminate organic pollution. More specifically, the various biological processes we market at H2O Innovation are the ideal solution to treating wastewater as well as agrifood waste, leachates, and other sources of pollution.
Biological processes used by H2O Innovation are especially powerful in treating wastewater before it is disposed of in the environment. They naturally and systemically filter out:
- Main contaminants (biodegradable organic material [DBO5])
- Suspended solids (SS)
- Fecal coliforms
- Nutrients (nitrogen and phosphorous)
- And more
A wide variety of technologies for better treatment
By acquiring a range of expertise in wastewater treatment, we boast a diverse portfolio of technologies at H2O Innovation to meet specific client needs. We handle all of the following:
- Evaluation of the parameters of the water to be treated
- Determination of optimal treatment lines based on water parameters and effluent standards
- Evaluation and selection of primary, secondary, and tertiary treatments based on specific client needs
- Development of new treatment techniques
About wastewater treatment
There are three steps in sanitation processes to eliminate soluble organic pollution contained in wastewater before it is disposed of in the environment: primary, secondary, and tertiary.
Primary treatment
Primary treatment consists of basic physical and/or chemical treatments. At this stage, solids are removed by means such as septic tanks, microstrainers, mechanical rakes, primary settling tanks, grease removal tanks, or grit chambers. The pH may also be adjusted or a chemical product removed when wastewater comes from source such as industry.
Secondary treatment
Secondary treatment involves removing organic material called BOD5 (biochemical oxygen demand over five days). This treatment may be chemical or biological. Chemical treatment requires the use of certain chemical products in limited quantity to lower the BOD5 before disposal. Biological treatment involves a submerged, semi-submerged, or sprayed organic or synthetic bacterial support where bacteria adhere to and eliminate organic matter by using it as a source of carbon and energy.
Biological treatment can be performed in two ways:
- Without oxygen flow (anaerobic)
- In the presence of oxygen by means of constant aeration (aerobic). Oxygen flow can be natural (ambient air) or artificial (air diffuser)
Tertiary treatment
Tertiary treatment is required by government standards when the environment where disposal occurs is fragile. It is generally to remove phosphorous (flocculation, coagulation, sedimentation) and/or nitrogen (biological) and disinfect water. Some methods involve the use of ultraviolet radiation or ozone.
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