Activated sludge is a living suspension of bacteria, protozoa, and fungi that consumes organic waste in runoff water. In large auto wash bays and fleet maintenance hubs, grease, soap, and road grime wash down the floor drains. Before this water can go into the city sewer, it runs through aeration tanks where these microbes feast on the oil and cleaning agents.
The system works by pumping air into the wastewater. This oxygen keeps the microbes active and multiplying. As they eat the pollutants, they clump together to form heavy flakes that settle to the bottom of a clarifier tank, leaving clean water at the top. We track this process to prevent toxic shop runoff from polluting local rivers.
If a mechanic dumps solvent or heavy solvents down the drain, it can kill the bacteria in the sludge. When the microbes die, the treatment system fails, and the shop face hefty fines from local environmental inspectors. Keeping chemical waste out of the wash bay drains is essential to keep the treatment facility alive and working.