Septic tank bioactivator: how does a bio septic tank work?
A biological septic tank could become an important component in households, given its positive impact on the environment. By switching from a traditional septic tank to a biological one, wastewater management becomes sustainable, more efficient, and more environmentally friendly. At the same time, the bio septic tank is a pillar element of a biogas installation, whether we are referring to domestic or industrial systems. The use of a septic tank bioactivator is necessary and recommended.
Table of contents
- What is a biological septic tank?
- What is a septic tank bioactivator?
- Advantages of using a bioactivator in wastewater treatment plants
- Septic tank vs. biological septic tank
- How does a biological septic tank work?
- Is it necessary to empty biological septic tanks?
- Common types of septic tanks
1. What is a biological septic tank?
Historically, septic tanks have been used for collecting and, sometimes, filtering wastewater in households not connected to the grid, being one of the most viable toilet solutions. In recent years, the system has been improved to allow for biogas production and water recycling. Everything happens thanks to an artificial process that mimics a natural phenomenon: the tank provides an environment where bacteria can digest organic waste and turn it into renewable energy.
A biological septic tank is a watertight chamber where bacteria break down organic waste in wastewater without oxygen through anaerobic digestion. In biogas production, this chamber is also called a digester.
This airtight environment creates the ideal conditions for a series of chemical reactions, allowing the fermentation process to result in methane, carbon dioxide, and water.
In a biological septic tank, the process will generate biogas, usable water, and, sometimes, biofertilizer. This nutrient-rich organic sludge can be used in planting and crop-growing processes.
2. What is a septic tank bioactivator?
A bioactivator consists of natural microorganisms attached to organic compost. It supplements and stimulates bacteria so that waste breaks down quickly. In this process, the generation of odors is prevented. When odors disappear, flies and cockroaches are no longer attracted.
Characteristics of a bioactivator
- The bioactivator is entirely natural and contains no dangerous or poisonous chemicals or enzymes.
- The product reduces the incidence of pathogens entering the groundwater system.
Benefits brought by a septic tank bioactivator
The lifespan of toilets can be greatly extended, depending on the amount of trash produced, such as plastic packets, diapers, sanitary towels, etc., which are already in the pit/trench, and also as long as no further waste is thrown in.
Regular use of a bioactivator will prevent waste levels from rising, and the pit/trench will not fill up. Therefore, it should not be necessary to dig another hole as long as it is properly treated and no more waste is thrown into the toilet.
There should be no need for a septic tank to be emptied by a vacuum truck if it is treated correctly. Regular treatments with a septic tank bioactivator and good household practices can make this a reality.
The toilet area no longer needs to be avoided due to unpleasant odors.
Avoiding bad smells, flies, and cockroaches.
3. Advantages of using a bioactivator in wastewater treatment plants
- Prevents the generation of odors.
- Stops the production of hydrogen sulfide.
- Greatly increases the metabolic rate of bacteria.
- Improves the ability to handle shock loads.
- Improves bacterial decomposition of organic matter.
- Very effective in the case of organically overloaded treatment plants.
- Spectacularly increases the capacity of the treatment plant.
- Prevents ponding and solids accumulation in trickling filters.
- Increases the nitrogen cycle rate.
A septic tank bioactivator is suitable for treating:
- Tannery effluents
- Textile industry effluents
- Distillery effluents
- Brewery effluents
- Soft drink and bottling plant effluents
- Municipal wastewater and sewage treatment plants for hotels, resorts, and housing complexes
- Abattoir effluents
- Dairy effluents
- Prevents odor generation in landfills
4. Septic tank vs. biological septic tank
Typically, septic tanks accumulate organic waste resulting from household activities (mainly grey and black water), being one of the toilet solutions, but they were not designed to support recycling or biogas production. Consequently, there is no way to eliminate sludge other than regular removal after chemical reactions take place.
Traditional septic tanks are just a way to prevent wastewater from reaching the environment. They consist of a concrete, steel, plastic, or fiberglass container that must be emptied regularly.
Although not ideal, many people are forced to rely on it, especially in rural areas and suburbs that do not have the necessary infrastructure for centralized sewage systems.
At present, septic tanks are a solution that a large number of property owners turn to, which can harm the environment in the long term, especially because most of these systems do not rely on sustainable wastewater management solutions.
Globally, the figures are even more alarming – according to UN reports, over 3.5 billion people use toilets and sewage systems that are poorly managed or neglected in many parts of the world. (Source)
On the other hand, a biological septic tank can play a dual role. Beyond collecting household wastewater, this system allows for water recycling for irrigation and, in some cases, biogas production. In this way, besides maintaining a clean and safe environment, owners can reduce water costs and generate carbon-neutral energy.
By collecting the gas resulting from anaerobic digestion, they can replace fossil fuel with sustainable energy for cooking or heating homes.
The biological septic tank is a modern and sustainable version of the traditional septic tank. Usually, it is made of reinforced concrete; therefore, it is fire-resistant and eliminates fewer odors. It houses the right bacteria and creates the perfect environment for transforming wastewater into energy and water usable for gardening. It is a sustainable solution that can improve quality of life with a smaller impact on the environment.
5. How does a biological septic tank work?
A biological septic tank is designed for recycling wastewater and allowing the biogas production process. Wastewater flows into the tank, and anaerobic bacteria begin to digest the biomass (organic matter in the wastewater).
Depending on the type of bio septic tank used, there are several chambers inside, and the wastewater moves from one compartment to another as the process takes place. After anaerobic digestion, the wastewater reaches the aeration tank, where aerobic bacteria develop. In this stage, the waste turns back into water, methane, and carbon dioxide. The bacteria breathe the oxygen, eliminating all odors.
Small amounts of chlorine are added to kill any remaining pathogens and make the water usable. In case it is used for gardening, all the nutrients in the water return to the plants for increased efficiency.
In other words, the bio-septic tank allows homeowners to use water twice, once in their homes and a second time for irrigation, reducing costs and using resources better. Using a septic tank bioactivator is recommended.
While poor wastewater management can have disastrous consequences for health and the environment – and sometimes economic ones too, systems that use bio-septic tanks can help communities around the world while counteracting climate change.
6. Is it necessary to empty biological septic tanks?
As a general rule, the biological septic tank is designed to keep bacteria healthy and productive, so that biomass is converted efficiently and minimal maintenance is required. In fact, many manufacturers offer solutions that do not require sludge removal. It is a significant upgrade over traditional septic tanks, which must be emptied regularly to ensure efficient wastewater management.
If the biological septic tank is not installed correctly, owners might find themselves needing to perform periodic maintenance. However, things might not always work as planned, and unscheduled interventions might be necessary. That is why it is wise to check and follow all the rules and instructions when building a biological septic tank.
Depending on the type of bio-septic tank, it might be necessary to replace the filters once every few years. Since not all manufacturers follow the same standards for filter kits, it is wise to follow the instructions to ensure the tank is working properly.
7. Common types of septic tanks
Septic tanks have evolved in recent years, and now they are available in several types and sizes. Depending on the number of users they are expected to serve, they can be manufactured from a wide range of materials and have different capacities.
Also, different manufacturers might offer different types of products to meet the specific needs of their customers. Since countries and regions rely on specific laws regarding wastewater management, some local companies have had to adapt their products to comply, which explains why some types of septic tanks are available only in certain markets around the world.
Generally, the most common septic tanks are made of brick, concrete, steel, plastic, or even fiberglass, while biological septic tanks are made of reinforced concrete. This modern and reliable material supports the biogas production process and also allows for better on-site waste management.
Also, the tanks can have two or more chambers, depending on their purpose, and several types of pipes inside to allow the wastewater to circulate and the bacteria to begin anaerobic digestion.
Conclusion
Bio septic tanks are a sustainable and eco-friendly alternative to their predecessors, the so-called traditional septic tanks. In general, a biological septic tank can become a cost-effective way to manage waste without hassle and with a reduced impact on the environment.
In addition, biological septic tanks can be used to produce biogas and generate energy for cooking or heating the home, which could help you further reduce costs.
Switching from traditional wastewater management to a biological septic tank can have a positive impact on the quality of life of individuals, their communities, and the entire planet overall.
Sources
http://www.bio-activator.co.za/what%20is%20bio-activator.htm
https://www.homebiogas.com/blog/what-is-a-bio-septic-tank-and-how-does-it-work/
