Since the bacteria are aerobic, their efficiency of consumption is very dependent upon the amount of available oxygen dissolved in the liquid sludge. The air required for maximum production from a biochemical process can be in excess of one reactor volume of air per minute, so an improvement in aeration efficiency can significantly reduce the costs of operation. Plunging jet aerators provide a very effective and inexpensive method of dissolving air into the aeration tank for bacteria growth. We will discuss different variations of geometry and flowrate, and their effect on the efficiency of the plunging jet aerator. This method of wastewater treatment involves three major steps.
Secondary treatment is where the biochemical consumption of organic material takes place.
The microorganisms feast on the biomass in the aeration vessel. This is where extensive aeration is needed for the bacteria to consume the organic wastes. Tertiary treatment can be simple or extensive depending on the extent of pollution and the local requirements for water purity. Its purpose is to remove inorganic pollutants as well as any organic mass not removed by the primary and secondary stages. To achieve adequate aeration , many biochemical processes use spargers or air-lift fermenters, which pump air into the bottom of the reactor.