ACTIVATED SLUDGE Meaning and
Definition
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Activated sludge is a highly effective biological treatment process used in wastewater treatment plants to remove organic matter and pollutants from sewage or industrial wastewater. It involves the use of a microbial culture, known as the activated sludge, to break down and convert the organic matter into stabilized products.
The process begins with the collection of wastewater in a treatment facility, where it is mixed with a mixture of aerobic bacteria, fungi, and protozoa. This mixture forms the activated sludge, which serves as a biological catalyst for the treatment process.
The mixture is then aerated and agitated in large aeration tanks, allowing the bacteria and other microorganisms within the activated sludge to consume and degrade the organic matter present in the wastewater. As they feed on the organic pollutants, the microorganisms multiply rapidly, forming flocs or clumps that settle down.
Next, the settled sludge is separated from the treated water using sedimentation tanks and a portion is recirculated back into the aeration tanks to maintain the microbial population and activity levels. The remaining excess sludge, known as waste activated sludge, is removed from the system and further treated or disposed of.
The activated sludge process is widely used due to its ability to efficiently remove nutrients, such as nitrogen and phosphorus, along with organic matter. It provides an effective means of treating wastewater before discharge into the environment, ensuring the protection of aquatic ecosystems and public health.
Common Misspellings for ACTIVATED SLUDGE
- zctivated sludge
- sctivated sludge
- wctivated sludge
- qctivated sludge
- axtivated sludge
- avtivated sludge
- aftivated sludge
- adtivated sludge
- acrivated sludge
- acfivated sludge
- acgivated sludge
- acyivated sludge
- ac6ivated sludge
- ac5ivated sludge
- actuvated sludge
- actjvated sludge
- actkvated sludge
- actovated sludge
- act9vated sludge
- act8vated sludge
Etymology of ACTIVATED SLUDGE
The word "activated sludge" is derived from the combination of "activate" and "sludge".
- "Activate" comes from the Latin word "activatus", which means to make active or to put into action. It is derived from the Latin word "actus", meaning a doing or an action.
- "Sludge" comes from the Old English word "slycg", which refers to mud, mire, or thick, dirty liquid. It is related to the Middle Low German word "slügge", meaning slime or mucus.
When combined, "activated sludge" refers to a biological process used in wastewater treatment plants. The term signifies the action of activating or putting in motion the sludge, which contains microorganisms that help in the breakdown of organic matter present in the wastewater.
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