Predominate wastewater treatment methods used by the wine, food processing and industrial communities employ biological processes, which require an energy source, a source of carbon, nutrients, and a permissive range of physical conditions, such as proper oxygen, temperature, and pH levels.
BACTERIA AND BOD
Within any biological wastewater treatment system, heterotrophic bacteria (bacteria that utilize and degrade carbon molecules as a food substrate, measured by biochemical oxygen demand, or BOD ) require a number of nutrients in their diet to maintain growth and reproduction. In addition to carbon and water, the requisite nutrients are nitrogen and phosphorus. Other micronutrients are ordinarily not a limiting factor since they are usually available in the trace amounts needed.
NUTRIENT CHALLENGES IN WASTEWATER
For example, the nature of the fermentation processes that occur in the winery, wastewater sources lack nitrogen at sufficient levels to promote active bacterial growth and reproduction. Phosphorus is generally present in sufficient quantities, and augmentation is rarely necessary. Without supplemental nitrogen, however, bacterial populations will not be strong enough to handle the variable conditions of BOD and flow. This will lead to incomplete BOD removal and a wastewater that is unsuitable for land applications.
SOLUTIONS
The nutrient chemistries Heritage Systems administers are custom applications, specific to both your treatment process and the deficiency that requires remedy. Along with this, we supply you with engineered solutions for tanks, containment, pumps, piping, controllers and sensors. This equipment is owned and operated by us so there is no capital expenditure to impact your budget!