Aerobic Treatment VS Anaerobic Treatment

Question 1

Which produces less sludge?

Answer 1

Anaerobic treatment

Question 2

Which has a faster start-up time?

Answer 2

Aerobic treatment

Question 3

Which has a higher loading rate and smaller footprint?

Answer 3

Anaerobic treatment (Up to 10-30 gCOD/L/d)

Extra note:
Aerobic treatment has low loading rates, large footprint (Up to 3 gCOD/L/d)

Question 4

Which is able to recover energy?

Answer 4

Anaerobic treatment (can recover methane and hydrogen).

Aerobic treatment has no energy recovery.

Question 5

Which has lower energy use?

Answer 5

Anaerobic treatment

Question 6

Which can achieve effluent discharge criteria?

Answer 6

Aerobic treatment.

Anaerobic treatment can’t achieve surface water standards (essentially isn’t as good quality).

Question 7

Which is less affected by temperature?

Answer 7

Aerobic treatment

Question 8

Which requires the removal of N?

Answer 8

Aerobic treatment

Question 9

Which requires extra alkalinity (depending on type of wastewater)?

Answer 9

Anaerobic treatment