What is Activated Sludge Process

Conventional wastewater treatment consists of chemical, biological, physicochemical, and mechanical processes to remove organic loading, solids, and nutrient contents from wastewater. Biological processes are more commonly used in wastewater treatment as secondary or tertiary treatments, as it is more effective and more economical than chemical and mechanical processes. In this chapter, several types of wastewaters generated from municipal or industrial activities are discussed. Wastewater has different pollutant contents depending on the point of generation which consequently requires different ways of treatment. Some commonly used conventional wastewater treatment technologies are introduced. A particular focus is given to both aerobic and anaerobic treatments.