What is the purpose of adding more oxygen in the biological treatment process?

The purpose of adding more oxygen in the biological treatment process is to enhance microbial activity. In aerobic biological treatment systems, microorganisms, especially bacteria, require oxygen to effectively break down organic matter present in wastewater. This process, known as aerobic respiration, allows microbes to metabolize the organic pollutants, converting them into carbon dioxide, water, and new microbial cell mass. The presence of sufficient oxygen is essential for optimizing the metabolic processes of these microorganisms, leading to more efficient degradation of waste material.

By ensuring that these microorganisms are well-oxygenated, the treatment process can maintain higher levels of microbial activity, which is crucial for reducing the biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) and total organic carbon (TOC) levels in the effluent being treated. Overall, an increase in oxygen levels supports a thriving microbial population that can enhance the overall effectiveness of the biological treatment process.