Aerobic vs. Anaerobic Septic Systems

[Tom_H]

Some sytems can supposedly be save by converting to aerobic, the discharge from tank has higher oxygen content which is suppose to breakup the black in the field, that could be a part of the biomat. That is why new fields are vented, so the bed won't starve for air.

Just in case some are not aware, the term "aerobic" implies that oxygen is involved in a chemical reaction, and "anaerobic" implies that it is not.

In animal physiology, O2 and glucose are taken to cells by the blood. Inside the mitochondria of the cells, the glucose and O2 are metabolized in a long complex process called the "Krebbs Citric Acid Cycle" into Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP). From the ATP, energy is given off. This is called "aerobic respiration". A distance runner must stay within the parameters of aerobic respiration; if he/she exceeds the ability of the body to supply O2 to the muscles, they will engage in "anaerobic respiration", a chemical cycle that produces energy, but less efficiently. Within seconds, the body goes into "Oxygen Debt", and the runner must slow the pace and allow the O2 level to recuperate. Going into anaerobic respiration produces crystals of Lactic Acid in the muscles. This is what hurts in an overused muscle the following day. Massage of the muscle can cause the crystals to partially dissolve and be flushed away by the bloodstream. This is why massaging sore muscles provides relief.

O2 is toxic to bacteria. Septic systems are full of Eschericia coli, commonly referred to as E. coli. This bacteria lives within our large intestines in a symbiotic relationship with us. It is our only natural source of vitamin K. In exchange, we provide it with a niche and food. The E. coli actually consumes about 40% of what we eat. E. coli is what gives waste its bad odor. If the E. coli somehow enters a different part of the body, blood poisioning results. E. coli is the source of cholera. During the CA goldrush, most of the prospectors camped by the streams, and took their water from the same streams. 25% of the prospectors died from cholera.

In a septic system, additive enzymes help digest the bacteria. In aerobic septic systems, the O2 in the injected air is lethal to the E. coli. Once the bacteria is dead, the waste water is safe enough to use as irrigation. Anaerobic systems are "septic" (meaning contaminated with microbes) and must be isolated from surface water and well aquifers.

 

[BB_TX]

We still have the old anaerobic type installed when we built the house in '84. Have never had a problem with it. And I have only had it pumped out one time and that was last year. If we get several days of rain, sometimes you can hear a gurgle from the bathtub drain, but it has never backed up into the house. They did put in extra lateral line when they installed it. The tanks are behind the house. The lines run to the side, then down the side to the front, then back and forth across the front yard 4 times.
Most of my neighbors are also on the old type and the ones on each side of me have had problems over the years. The same company installed both of theirs (but not the same as installed mine) and they both had to have extra lateral lines installed to correct their problems.
My neighbor across the street has the new aerobic type. During the heavy rain period, it was spraying several times a day. The down side is that when the rains would stop for a while, his system kept his yard wet from spraying so often.
Pluses and minuses to each I guess.

 

[CharlieTR]

My areobic system was installed in 2005, just renewed the 2 year inspection this past Spring, so far so good. One thing I learned about the treated water from the sprinklers (treated with bleach) is that it is treated only enough to protect the environment. Not clean enough to water any food gardens, livestock, and never let kids play back there.

BTW, what is the going rate for someone to empty the tank every 3 years for a 500 gal tank?

 

[shaley]

Wow, this is a realy good thread. Tom H, I've never heard the biological explanaton to the septic cycle. Can you comment on why (biologically speaking) anerobic bacteria produces a slimy layer in the leach field. I've heard it is the dead bacteria casings. It's usually this biomat that clogs the field. Aerobic effluent on the other hand, below 20 mg/L BOD/5 and TSS does not form a biomat and therefore will not clog the drainfield. This is why secondary effluent can be used to restore drainfields.

 

[Tom_H]

I have a degree in biology, however I don't have a specialty in microbiology or environmental biology. My guess is that the O2 helps oxydize and decompose the organic matter (sludge) that is already dead, but I cannot say this with certainty.

 

[plowking]

I have a degree in biology, however I don't have a specialty in microbiology or environmental biology. My guess is that the O2 helps oxydize and decompose the organic matter (sludge) that is already dead, but I cannot say this with certainty.

You're right the oxygen breaks down the sludge or mat. If you notice someone replacing a leachfield, if they stockpile the old material. In a few weeks or a month, the material will be back almost to it's natural state. The opinion years ago, was different then today, but with more technology, experimenting, the concept of how septics should work has changed. Septic systems wouldn't turn black, until twenty years or more, but lately they can turn black in first five-ten years. The belief now is septics that have proper venting, if oxygen is present, won't turn black. Before venting, the leachfield had to draw oxygen from surface of the tank, which got it's air from roof vent. The tank wouldn't have air get below the surface of the water or the field had to get air thru the soil to the surface of lawn. Fields that have over 3 feet of soil should have vent, that much soil will prevent proper breathing.

 

[schemingturkey]

hey everyone,

i just joined and wanted to say hi.

 

[Bird]

hey everyone,

i just joined and wanted to say hi.

Well, hi to you, too. Glad to have you join us. Now fill out your profile to tell us a bit about yourself. And how did you happen to choose this thread to introduce yourself?

 

[Sidwuffler]

Can anyone advise the regulations relating to the distance for erecting a small shed (structure) from an Aerobic septic system sprayer outlet in Texas. ?

Have googled various sites but no real luck on a regulation.

Some one indicated 33feet diameter or radius from a sprinkler head outlet, can any one confirm and/or direct me to the Texas or Parker county regulation which shows this information ?

Thanks

 

[jinman]

I thought the minimum distance was 35' to a structure and 100' to a well, but I personally would not put a structure within 50' on the north side due to our wind primarily being from the south. My sprinkler heads go over 35' to the north when there is a stiff wind from the south. I believe a telephone call to your Public Health Dept. can put you in contact with the person who does inspections in Parker County. In Wise County, it's the Public Works Dept, but Parker County's Health Department does your inspections. Another source might be one of he many aerobic septic companies. I use Aerobi-Tech out of Weatherford for my service company. Their phone number is (817)596-9498 and they are located at 3135 Ranger Hwy.

Parker County Health Department
817-598-6175
www.co.parker.tx.us