• 2025-07-09

Aerobic process

Aerobic process

The aerobic process refers to the biological oxidation reactions in which microorganisms decompose organic matter in the presence of dissolved oxygen (DO ≥ 2 mg/L). Its core characteristic is:

Energy metabolism: Using oxygen as the final electron acceptor, the organic matter is completely mineralized to CO₂/H₂O

Energy production efficiency: The unit organic matter degradation energy production is 38-42 kJ/g COD (5-8 times higher than the anaerobic process)

Environment-dependent: Requires continuous aeration to maintain an oxygen transfer rate >15 mg O₂/(L·h)

Activated Sludge Process: Utilizes aerobic bacterial communities to degrade sewage COD (removal rate >95%)

Biological Filter: Forms an aerobic biofilm on the filler surface to purify water quality

Water treatment applications

Oxidation Pond Process: Achieves natural aeration through an algal-bacterial coexistence system

Examples of natural circulation:

Aerobic humification in terrestrial ecosystems:

Plant and animal residues → decomposition by aerobic microorganisms → humus (C/N ratio 20-30) → stable soil organic matter

Note: This process requires approximately 3.2 g O₂/g organic matter, consistent with aerobic treatment mechanisms in water bodies.