How much can biological treatment reduce the volatile solids content?

Biological treatment processes in wastewater treatment are designed to break down and stabilize organic matter, which includes volatile solids. Volatile solids consist of the portion of the solids that can be vaporized and are often associated with organic material in the waste.

In typical operations, biological treatment, through processes such as activated sludge or anaerobic digestion, can effectively reduce the volatile solids content by about 50%. This significant reduction occurs as microorganisms consume the organic material, converting it into biomass and gases, thus leading to a decrease in the total volatile solids present in the treatment system.

While greater reductions are possible depending on specific operational conditions, type of biological treatment, and other factors, a 50% reduction is a common expectation and benchmark in many wastewater treatment facilities. This level of reduction is crucial for improving effluent quality and minimizing the environmental impact of the treated water before it is discharged or reused.