Journal of Undergraduate Research
Keywords
treatment of wastewater, sewage, wastewater treatment facility
College
Ira A. Fulton College of Engineering and Technology
Department
Chemical Engineering
Abstract
The treatment of wastewater or sewage is a multi-step process. One of the steps involves the treatment of the organic mass collected during the treatment process. There are several different methods of treating this organic mass or sludge. At the Springville Wastewater Treatment Facility, the sludge is decomposed under anaerobic conditions into simpler forms of organic solids for safe disposal. Two different types of bacteria are used to decompose the sludge. The products of the sludge decomposition are methane, carbon dioxide, water, and simpler organic solids. The amount of methane produced by the bacteria depends on the system used and the balance between these two bacteria. At Springville, approximately 9,000 to 20,000 cubic feet per day (SCFD) of digester gas are produced. The digester gas contains approximately 60% methane, 37% carbon dioxide, 2% water vapor, and the remaining liquid volume percentage is composed of hydrogen sulfide, nitrogen, and other gases.
Recommended Citation
Cragun, Mary and Hecker, Dr. William
(2014)
"Waste Not, Want Not,"
Journal of Undergraduate Research: Vol. 2014:
Iss.
1, Article 69.
Available at:
https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/jur/vol2014/iss1/69