THE ROLE OF MICROORGANISMS IN BIOLOGICAL WASTEWATER TREATMENT PROCESSES
Keywords:
wastewater treatment, biological treatment, microorganisms, activated sludge process, biofilm technology, nitrification, denitrification, environmental sustainability.Abstract
This article examines the role of microorganisms in biological wastewater treatment processes. Biological treatment is considered one of the most effective and environmentally friendly methods for removing organic pollutants from wastewater. The study discusses the metabolic activities of microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi, protozoa, and algae, which decompose organic matter and convert it into simpler and less harmful substances. Special attention is given to widely used biological treatment technologies, including the activated sludge process and biofilm-based systems such as trickling filters and moving bed biofilm reactors. The article also highlights the role of microorganisms in nitrogen and phosphorus removal through nitrification and denitrification processes. In addition, the influence of environmental factors such as temperature, pH, oxygen concentration, and nutrient availability on the efficiency of biological treatment is analyzed. The results emphasize the importance of understanding and optimizing microbial processes to improve the performance and sustainability of modern wastewater treatment systems.
