FAQs: Anaerobic, Aerobic, Anoxic

BACKGROUND
In wastewater treatment cells grow until the reach maximum size, and then divide
into two in a process called binary fission. This process can happen every 20 to 30
minutes under optimum growth conditions. During cell growth, there are
maintenance needs that the bacteria have. These maintenance needs are met
through energy released from food molecules. All bacteria have enzymes, which
enable them to break down food and pass it through the cell membrane.

Respiration: The process of obtaining energy from food molecules which is

controlled by enzymes.
Enzymes: Protein molecules that each cell makes. Enzymes are needed for
all biochemical reactions because they help the cell break down the organic
materials so they can go through the cell membrane (outer wall of the cell).
Synthesis: An energy consuming reaction that results in the production of
new biomass
Endogenous Respiration: When synthesized biomass and storage products
become the energy source for the reaction. This decreases the amount of
biomass present.

AEROBIC RESPIRATION
This is how BOD is removed in activated sludge.
Oxygen is the final electron receptor in these
reactions. Sources of energy (food) include
carbohydrates, and proteins. End products of
aerobic respiration include water, energy, and
carbon dioxide.
Aerobic: Free dissolved oxygen is present
Aerobic Organisms: These organisms only
Aeration Tank
have enzyme structures capable of functioning
in aerobic environments

ANAEROBIC RESPIRATION
Anaerobic respiration occurs in the absence of free dissolved oxygen. Oxygen is
still required for respiration, but is derived from nitrate (NO3-), Sulfate (S04-2)
and Carbonate (CO3-2)
Bound Oxygen Molecule End Product
Nitrate Nitrogen Gas
Sulfate Hydrogen Sulfide
Carbonate Methane

WHATS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN ANOXIC AND

ANAEROBIC?
Anaerobic: A condition in which free of combined oxygen is not available
Anoxic: A condition in which oxygen is available in combined forms only
o While technically anaerobic, reactions that involve using inorganic
electron acceptors (nitrate and sulfate) are often referred to as
anoxic

TYPES OF ORGANISMS
Aerobic Organisms: Use aerobic respiration only
Anaerobic organisms: Use anaerobic respiration only
Facultative Organisms: Can use both aerobic and anaerobic respiration.
They will use aerobic respiration in the presence of free dissolved oxygen.

REFERENCES
Activated Sludge Processes, METC Group Incorporated, 1999
Operation of Municipal Wastewater Treatment Plants, Volume II: Liquid
Processes Sixth Edition, WEF