Aerobic Treatment- Pretreatment, Controls and Alarms

Aerobic treatment units make use of oxygen to break down and digest the wastewater inside the unit. The waste water is treated in stages like most onsite systems. Before the waste water enters the aerobic unit, it receives pretreatment. Also the waste water that leaves the unit requires additional treatment or disinfection before returning to the environment.
 
The pretreatment step is used in some aerobic systems to reduce the amount of solids in the waste water that goes to the aerobic unit. Materials such as greases, oils, toilet paper and other solids that enter the drain or flushed into the system are removed in this stage. Excessive solid material can clog the unit and prevent effective treatment. Usages of a septic tank, a primary settling compartment in the treatment unit or a trash trap are some of the pretreatment methods. Pretreatment greatly improves the performance of a unit but is nevertheless optional.
 
The aerobic units are provided with controls that can be switched on and off by the homeowner when required. Alarms alert the homeowner of malfunctions and can be located either inside or outside the home depending on the design of the system. Alarms can be designed such that they can be visible, audible or both. The controls and alarms should be protected from corrosion.
 
These systems are generally used in villas or flats in Kerala that are far apart and there is not central system. Each Kochi apartment is taking measures to use the best suitable method for the disposal of waste water without which the groundwater or nearby water bodies may get contaminated.