There are two main categories of wastewater: organic (domestic) wastewater and chemical wastewater. Each category requires specific treatment methods due to their unique composition and impact on treatment systems. This InfoDBO explores these distinctions in detail.
Organic (Domestic) Wastewater
Domestic wastewater is primarily composed of biodegradable organic materials, such as food scraps, fats, proteins, and carbohydrates. These materials originate from everyday household activities like cooking, cleaning, and using the toilet. The treatment solutions offered by DBO International are specifically designed for these types of wastewater. They utilize effective bacteria to break down the biodegradable materials, ensuring an efficient and eco-friendly treatment process.
High Organic Load: It is important to note that even when wastewater has a high organic load, it can be treated by our systems as long as it contains only biodegradable materials. Contrary to a common misconception, a high load does not necessarily imply industrial or chemical origins. If the high-load wastewater is composed solely of biodegradable organic materials, DBO International’s System O)) can effectively treat it.
Here is a list of the main domestic sources that generate organic wastewater:
- Toilets (Fecal matter and urine, toilet paper)
- Kitchen Sinks (Food scraps, cooking oils and fats, detergents and cleaning products)
- Showers and Bathtubs (Hair, soaps and shampoos, dead skin cells)
- Dishwashers (Food residues, dishwashing detergents)
- Washing Machines (Laundry detergents, sweat and dirt from clothing)
- Bathroom Sinks (Soaps, toothpaste, cosmetics, and personal care products)
- Garbage Disposals (Sink: ground food waste)
Chemical Wastewater
Chemical wastewater, on the other hand, often originates from industries, agricultural activities, or specific household products. It contains chemicals such as solvents, heavy metals, pesticides, and other toxic substances. These components require specialized treatment methods to be properly removed, as they can be harmful to the bacteria used in biological treatment systems. Therefore, DBO International’s systems are not suitable for treating chemical wastewater.
Here is a list of the main components and industries that generate chemically-based wastewater:
- Manufacturing Industries (Cleaning chemicals, solvents, heavy metals, industrial oils, and lubricants)
- Metal Processing and Electroplating Plants (Strong acids and bases, heavy metals, surface treatment waste)
- Pharmaceutical Industries (Drug residues, synthetic chemicals, organic solvents)
- Chemical Industries (Organic and inorganic chemicals, solvents, acids, and alkalis)
- Agriculture and Livestock Farming (Pesticides and herbicides, chemical fertilizers, veterinary pharmaceuticals)
- Gas Stations and Auto Repair Shops (Used oils, degreasing chemicals, solvents, and fuels)
- Textile Industries (Dyes and colorants, bleaching agents, solvents)
- Paper Mills (Bleaching agents, inks and dyes, paper treatment chemicals)
- Hospitals and Laboratories (Disinfecting chemicals, unused or expired medications, laboratory reagents)
Example of Domestic Wastewater Treatment Project
Project: Mining Camp in Northern Quebec
Context : This project aimed to replace the wastewater treatment system of an expanding mining camp located in a remote region of Northern Quebec. The camp generated a high volume of domestic wastewater due to the increasing number of workers on-site. The requirement was for a reliable system that required minimal maintenance and could operate under extreme climatic conditions.
System Used: A System O)) solution was chosen for this project. The system includes a primary treatment with a grease trap and a septic tank, followed by an advanced secondary treatment using Advanced Enviro))Septic pipes. The wastewater is treated by bacteria that decompose organic matter, with final filtration through sand.
Advantages :
- Adaptation to High Loads: System O)) efficiently handles the large quantities of wastewater generated by the mining camp, even during peak periods.
- Minimal Maintenance: The system requires almost no maintenance, which is crucial in a remote environment where access to replacement parts is challenging.
- Cost Savings: The system eliminated the need for daily emptying of a holding tank and long-distance transportation of wastewater, thereby reducing transportation costs.
- Environmental Efficiency: System O)) ensures high treatment performance, well within environmental standards.
This project demonstrates the effectiveness of our technology in treating domestic wastewater with a high organic load in a remote environment. The System O)) solutions have proven their ability to sustainably manage this wastewater, without complex maintenance, while being reliable in difficult conditions. This makes it a relevant example of the system’s flexibility and robustness for similar projects.
Conclusion
DBO International’s treatment solutions are ideal for organic wastewater, including those with a high biodegradable load, thanks to the effective use of bacteria to break down biodegradable materials. However, for chemical wastewater, it is necessary to use specific treatment methods tailored to their toxic compositions. Understanding this distinction is essential for selecting the appropriate treatment system and ensuring a clean and healthy environment.
Here is the infoDBO : Treatment – Domestic vs. Chemical Wastewater
