Final answer:
In wastewater treatment, aerobic degradation involves nitrification, denitrification, and nitrogen fixation, essential for the nitrogen cycle. These processes are facilitated by different microbes during the secondary treatment phase, which employs aerobic bacteria and equipment like aerators and clarifiers. Understanding these biochemical processes is crucial for efficient and environmentally friendly wastewater management.
Step-by-step explanation:
The aerobic degradation of an organic compound in wastewater by a mixed culture of organisms involves several biochemical processes, including nitrification, denitrification, and nitrogen fixation. These processes are essential for the nitrogen cycle and are carried out by different types of bacteria.
During nitrification, ammonia is oxidized first to nitrites and then to nitrates, providing energy for the bacteria and aiding in wastewater treatment. Denitrification converts nitrates back to nitrogen gas, which is released into the atmosphere, whereas nitrogen fixation converts atmospheric nitrogen into organic compounds usable by plants.
Secondary treatment systems in wastewater treatment plants rely heavily on aerobic bacteria to decompose organic matter. These systems might include aerators to introduce oxygen to the bacteria and clarifiers to separate the microorganism-rich sludge from the treated water.
The design of these systems also takes into account the nitrogen transformations occurring during the treatment process, which impacts the overall efficiency and environmental footprint of the wastewater treatment.