Lagoon-based wastewater treatment is usually found in rural areas because of its large footprint and the difficulty of controlling odors.
While lagoon wastewater treatment makes sense for rural areas, its effluent may have trouble meeting discharge standards
The U.S. relies heavily on lagoon wastewater treatment, with more than 4,500 systems, but widespread non-compliance with nutrient discharge permits is a persistent issue. Systems may require add-on technologies to deal with inadequate removal of substances including ammonia, total nitrogen, and phosphorus. Seasonal changes affect loadings, temperature, and discharge, further challenging treatment efficiency. Rural communities, which rely on low-energy, low-maintenance solutions, face increasing regulatory pressure to upgrade and sustain compliance.
Aspiral™ Flex provides rapid and simple upgrades to existing lagoons by delivering MABR and other treatment technologies in a pre-packaged, containerized format. Membrane aerated biofilm reactor (MABR) technology is emerging as a powerful solution for improving the efficiency of lagoon-based systems. It enhances nutrient removal with low energy consumption, making it a highly effective upgrade for lagoon treatment facilities.
What Is MABR Technology?
MABR technology revolutionizes oxygen delivery to wastewater treatment systems. Traditional aerated wastewater treatment systems rely on energy-intensive bubble diffusion to introduce oxygen into the water. MABR, however, uses a gas-permeable membrane to directly deliver oxygen to a biofilm that grows on the membrane. The biofilm contains beneficial autotrophic bacteria that efficiently nitrify ammonia in the wastewater. The MABR modules are submerged in anoxic chambers in the Aspiral™, which promotes simultaneous nitrification-denitrification (SND). Following the anoxic zones are low dissolved oxygen chambers that promote further dentrification and BOD removal.
By providing oxygen more efficiently than conventional methods, MABR reduces the energy required for wastewater treatment, making it a more sustainable and cost-effective solution.
Why Is the Aspiral™ Ideal for Lagoon Systems?
Lagoon-based wastewater treatment systems, which rely on natural biological processes to treat wastewater, often face challenges in meeting modern regulatory standards. The Aspiral™ is a perfect fit for these systems, as it can be integrated into existing lagoon infrastructure without the need for extensive civil work or major modifications. As a primary treatment unit Aspiral™ can be installed upstream of the lagoon by tying into the lift station that services the lagoon. This type of installation is expected to significantly reduce organic and nutrient loads. The lagoon continues to hold excess water beyond what the Aspiral™ can treat during periods of high inflow and infiltration. This enhances overall treatment efficiency and nutrient removal.
As a polishing or advanced treatment stage, Aspiral™ can also be placed as a side-stream application alongside the lagoon to provide additional treatment before discharge, particularly for nutrient removal, chemical balancing, disinfection, and compliance with stricter effluent regulations. These installations make MABR an ideal option for upgrading lagoons, offering a cost-effective solution that enhances the lagoon’s treatment capacity without disrupting the system’s natural processes.
Integrating MABR into lagoon systems enables more efficient oxygen delivery, adjustable operating approach, improved nutrient removal, and better overall treatment performance. With its ability to support simultaneous nitrification and denitrification, MABR enhances the lagoon’s capability to meet stringent regulatory standards. This upgrade results in cleaner, safer water discharge while maintaining the lagoon’s passive, natural treatment processes. To further enhance the ease of implementation, containerized wastewater treatment systems have been developed.
Containerized Wastewater Treatment
Aspiral™ Flex is the new era of wastewater treatment. These modular containerized systems can include fine screening MABR, conventional activated sludge chambers, solid-liquid separation, and/or disinfection depending on the client’s need. Fluence has pioneered containerized MABR systems that are compact, modular, and scalable. They provide a full treatment solution housed in engineered, custom-built units, making them an ideal choice for communities looking to upgrade their lagoon systems without the need for expensive construction projects.
Aspiral™ containerized systems offer many benefits for existing lagoon-based treatment systems. First, they can be easily integrated into existing infrastructure, minimizing the need for large-scale construction or disruptive changes. These systems are designed for full operation upon installation, ensuring minimal downtime during the upgrade process. Moreover, the modular nature of containerized systems allows for flexibility, enabling scaling of treatment capacity as needed, without overhauling the entire lagoon system. This “building block” approach is especially useful for phased projects; containers can be easily added on to the treatment plant to increase biological treatment volume and hydraulic treatment capacity.
By incorporating MABR technology into these containerized units, Aspiral™ offers a complete treatment process, from influx of raw sewage to discharge of effluent. The containerized systems maximize treatment capacity while minimizing energy consumption. They allow for targeted oxygen delivery, improved nutrient removal, and more effective treatment of wastewater, ideal for lagoon systems looking to upgrade their existing treatment capabilities.
Sustainable Benefits for Lagoon Wastewater Treatment Systems
The introduction of MABR technology and Aspiral™ containerized systems into lagoon-based wastewater treatment offers numerous benefits. Most importantly, they ensure cleaner, safer water is discharged into the environment, supporting public health and preserving local ecosystems. By reducing energy consumption and enhancing treatment efficiency, MABR and containerized systems also help lower the operational costs associated with lagoon-based treatment.
For communities with lagoon systems, MABR and containerized solutions provide an affordable, sustainable way to meet increasingly stringent wastewater treatment regulations. These technologies deliver the dual benefits of improved water quality and reduced operational expenses. For more information about how Aspiral™ can help you meet effluent standards, contact Fluence. Our experts are ready to discuss the best treatment solutions for your needs.
