What is anaerobic treatment?

Anaerobic treatment refers to a wastewater treatment process that occurs in an environment devoid of oxygen. This process utilizes microorganisms to break down organic matter, such as sewage or sludge, without the need for oxygen, resulting in the production of biogas (primarily methane) and treated effluent. Anaerobic treatment is beneficial for reducing the volume of waste and can also generate renewable energy in the form of biogas.

This method contrasts sharply with aerobic treatments, which require oxygen and are typically used in processes where the rapid decomposition of organic material is desired. Anaerobic treatment is often employed in settings where the waste is high in organic content, making it an efficient option for managing wastewater from industries like food processing or breweries.