Organisms that break down chemical wastes in a wastewater treatment plant are primarily various types of microorganisms, especially bacteria. These include:
- Aerobic bacteria : These bacteria require oxygen to metabolize organic pollutants, converting them into carbon dioxide, water, and simpler compounds. They are effective at decomposing a wide range of organic matter, including proteins, carbohydrates, and fats
- Anaerobic bacteria : Operating without oxygen, these bacteria break down complex organic compounds through anaerobic digestion, producing methane and carbon dioxide as byproducts. They are important in treating high-strength industrial wastewater and contribute to renewable energy production via methane gas
- Facultative bacteria : These versatile bacteria can function in both oxygen-rich and oxygen-poor environments, helping reduce organic matter and nutrients throughout different treatment stages
- Nitrifying and denitrifying bacteria : Nitrifying bacteria convert harmful ammonia in wastewater into nitrites and nitrates, which are less toxic. Denitrifying bacteria then convert nitrates into nitrogen gases, reducing nitrogen pollution in effluent
- Phosphorus-accumulating and sulfur-reducing bacteria : These bacteria help control phosphorus and sulfur levels in wastewater. Phosphorus-accumulating bacteria remove phosphorus by storing it in their cells, while sulfur-reducing bacteria convert sulfate ions into hydrogen sulfide gas
Other microorganisms such as fungi, protozoa, rotifers, and archaea also play roles in breaking down organic matter and stabilizing the microbial ecosystem within treatment plants, though bacteria are the primary agents of chemical waste breakdown
. In summary, wastewater treatment plants rely on a complex community of microorganisms, predominantly bacteria with different metabolic capabilities, to biologically degrade chemical wastes efficiently and sustainably
